Post-coloscopy Colorectal Cancer: What are we missing?
Colorectal cancer can be prevented by removing colon polyps during a keyhole examination (colonoscopy). Many of these examinations take place within the population-based colon cancer screening program, or if the participant has blood in his or her stool. Unfortunately, in people who have previously had a keyhole examination, colon cancer is sometimes discovered afterwards. These so-called post-coloscopy colon cancers are likely the result of polyps not seen or not completely removed.
Evelien Dekker, professor of gastrointestinal oncology, has been awarded nearly half a million euros to conduct research on these post-coloscopy colon cancers. "I am delighted with this award, now I can investigate what the characteristics of these colon cancers are and from which type of polyp they arise. With this we hope to unravel what is the most likely cause so we can eventually try to prevent these colon cancers."
PREOPANC-5: The Search for Better Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Continues
Survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer are poor. Even if there are no metastases at diagnosis, the majority of patients die from this disease within 5 years. The PREOPANC-5 study is a follow-up to previous studies that examined whether the order of treatment affects the survival rate of people with pancreatic cancer.
The new study - within the national Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group – has been awarded over four hundred thousand to investigate whether a "triple" combination treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy prior to surgery can improve the survival rates. Hanneke Wilmink (Department of Medical Oncology): "It is fantastic that we have received financial support from KWF for this research. With our national research group and this grant, we hope to be able to further improve the outcomes for these patients."
Empowering Families in the Care Process
Patients with cancer undergoing major surgery often require long-term care. Researchers at Amsterdam UMC have developed a training program to prepare willing family members to provide care to their loved ones once they return home after surgery. Initial results of the program are promising, but not yet tested in other hospitals. Anne Eskes (senior nursing researcher) and professor of surgery Els Nieveen van Dijkum received more than half a million euros to investigate the strategies needed to implement the family care program in oncology care.
About KWF
The Dutch Cancer Society is committed to fight cancer by scientific research, education, patient support and fundraising in cooperation with volunteers, donors, patients, doctors and researchers. KWF aims to achieve less cancer, more cures and a higher quality of life for cancer patients.
Read more on the KWF webpage and on the Amsterdam UMC (Dutch) webpage.
For more information, contact Cancer Center Amsterdam.