ASCO 2008: The Evolving Role of EGFR Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer
Jennifer Maxon

ASCO 2007: Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Lee Schwartzberg MD, FACP, The West Clinic, Memphis, TN

Daily Aspirin May Decrease Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Lynch Syndrome (10/7/2009)
Researchers involved in the international multi-institutional study, CAPP2, have reported that the use of daily aspirin may reduce the incidence of colorectal adenomas and cancers in individuals with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch Syndrome. The details of this study were presented on September 21, 2009 at Europe’s largest cancer congress, ECCO 15-ESMO 34, in Berlin.

Nurses’ Health Study Helps Define Risk of Colon Cancer up to Age 70 Years (10/2/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Nurses’ Health Study have reported that women with a high risk factor profile for developing colon cancer can reduce risk by a healthier lifestyle. The details of this study appeared in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Vectibix® plus Chemotherapy Improves Progression-free Survival After Initial Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (9/30/2009)
Researchers involved in the international randomized trial, PRIME, have reported that the addition of Vectibix® (panitumumab) to FOLFOX4 chemotherapy improves progression-free survival (PFS) compared with FOLFOX4 alone in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. This benefit was only observed in patients whose tumors did not contain a mutation in the KRAS gene (those with wild type). These results were presented at the Joint ECCO 15 -34^th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24, 2009.

Vectibix® Improves PFS in Second-line Therapy of Colorectal Cancer with FOLFIRI (9/23/2009)
Researchers involved in an international randomized trial have reported that the addition of Vectibix® (panitumumab) to FOLFIRI (5-fluorourcil, Camptosar® [irinotecan], and leucovorin) improves progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with colorectal cancer with wild-type KRAS receiving second-line therapy. The details of this study were presented at the Joint ECCO 15-34^th ESMO Congress in Berlin, September 20-24.

High Time Costs for Informal Care Givers of Cancer Patients (9/10/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have reported that the time spent by informal caregivers is significant and an important component in the overall burden of cancer care. The details of this study appeared in the September 4, 2009 issue of Cancer.