New study on meat intake and colorectal cancer

NHMike

PamRav said:

You are right

peanuts won't help.   Only tree nuts.  

Before I was diagnosed I was craving walnuts like crazy. I went through bag after bag.  Apparently my body knew something I didn't. 

Tree nuts include, but are

Tree nuts include, but are not limited to, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts/hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, shea nuts and walnuts. -- Wikipedia

I find Walnunts kind of dry for eating but I love hazelnuts, macadamia nuts and pistachios and like Almonds, Cashews, and pecans. But between all of those nuts, there should be something for everyone.

Blue Zone stuff (communites that live to 100): greens, beans, nuts and grains.

Annabelle41415

Cindy225 said:

I'm All In!

Since on this journey I'm all in for tree nuts, glucosamine, vitamin D, coffee and exercise. (Red wine, too!) Finally, able to resume more activity, eat tree nuts and drink coffee after reversing my ileostomy three weeks ago. So grateful for suggestions to live a healthy lifestyle and now have the ability and control to do it. So keep those research links coming!  :-)

Cindy

Good for you

I do all that too (except the red wine I'm only a white wine woman LOL).  Glad to hear of your reversal.  Ask me privately if you have any questions about that reversal as I've had mine for several years.  Hope you feel better every day.

Hugs!  Kim

NHMike

It's interesting to see that

It's interesting to see that trees account for two of the four items on the list. Aspirin is similar to a chemical found in willow tree bark.

I had a look at a study on Vitamin D3 in another forum and the study indicated that return of cancer after chemo/radiation was two months longer with an inital dose of 8000 iu/day and then a maintenance does of 4000 iu/day. The difference in two months is significant to state that there is a difference but I'd want a lot more than two months. Still, every bit helps.

These are more like the odds I'm looking for and I'd love to stack them together. Anyone have research papers on aspirin?

 

 

 

However, on closer investigation, the researchers found that only tree nut consumption offered benefits; the risk of colon cancer recurrence was 46 percent lower for patients who ate at least 2 ounces of tree nuts each week, while the risk of death was 53 percent lower.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317534.php

SandiaBuddy

Aspirin

The aspirin reseach seems to me to be indicating it is only effective for certain strains of colorectal cancer.  The problem for me is that they will not do the lab work to tell me what strain I have, they say they will only do that if I move to stage 4.  The U.S. government has recommended that people between 50 & 59 take a baby aspirin a day (that's me) and since I do not know my cancer type, when you group the types together, there is still a significant statistical advantage to taking the pill.  Here are some of my somewhat disorganized notes on the subject:

 

ASPIRIN: Inconclusive effect, but probably some benefit–low dose about 30% benefit, may be dependant on the type of cancer.

In the CALGB 89803 cohort of stage III colon cancer patients, regular aspirin use (defined as consistent use while on adjuvant therapy and 6 months after the completion of adjuvant therapy) had a statistically significant 54% improvement in disease-free survival compared to non-regular users.64 A similar impact was seen in patients who were on COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib or rofecoxib).  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150459/

Helpful with some cancers: http://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2016.70.7547

no effect: http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/176884-195 no statistically significant effect of aspirin on CRC relapse

Helps: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848289/

Gov’t recommends for 50-59yo, low dose aspirin: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/aspirin-to-prevent-cardiovascular-disease-and-cancer
The USPSTF recommends initiating low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) in adults aged 50 to 59 years who have a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk, are not at increased risk for bleeding, have a life expectancy of at least 10 years, and are willing to take low-dose aspirin daily for at least 10 years.

Interview (helps, but not prescribed): http://www.cancernetwork.com/colorectal-cancer/role-aspirin-colorectal-cancer-prevention-and-treatment

25% ish, probably use for all forms, but effective only in some: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4838306/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4260025/
http://journal.waocp.org/article_32464_4ac9cde95f304cfecae73ecaa971ad67.pdf

Helps: but at 5-10 years: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354696/
Good summary article: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/research/aspirin-cancer-risk

Low dose aspirin 31% improvement (2017):In this cohort aspirin use was associated with a 31% improvement in cancer-specific survival compared to non-use (adjusted HR=0.69, 95% CI 0.47–0.98). This effect was more pronounced in tumors with high PTGS2 expression (PTGS2-high adjusted HR=0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.96) compared to those with low PTGS2 expression (PTGS2-low adjusted HR=1.19, 95% CI 0.68–2.07, P for interaction=0.09). The aspirin by PTGS2 interaction was significant for overall survival (PTGS2-high adjusted HR=0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.98 vs. PTGS2-low adjusted HR=1.28, 95% CI 0.80–2.03, P for interaction=0.04). However, no interaction was observed between aspirin use and PIK3CA mutation status for colorectal cancer-specific or overall survival.

http://www.nature.com/ctg/journal/v8/n4/full/ctg201718a.html

Rat study, chemoprotective effect of aspirin plus curcumin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28267439

Aspirin more effective in men than in women: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27765797

“In the three studies, median (maximum) follow-up was 5.1 (12), 5.8 (12) and 7.5 (13) years, respectively. 3,033 incident CRC cases were identified in Study 1, 3,174 in Study 2, and 12,333 in Study 3. Current use of low-dose aspirin was associated with a significantly reduced risk of 34%, 29% and 31% in the three studies, respectively; corresponding RRs (95% CIs) were 0.66 (0.60-0.73), 0.71 (0.63-0.80) and 0.69 (0.64-0.74).” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27428004

After diagnosis, 9.4% reduction in all cause mortality and 12.5% reduction in CRC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27247217

 

NHMike

SandiaBuddy said:

Aspirin

The aspirin reseach seems to me to be indicating it is only effective for certain strains of colorectal cancer.  The problem for me is that they will not do the lab work to tell me what strain I have, they say they will only do that if I move to stage 4.  The U.S. government has recommended that people between 50 & 59 take a baby aspirin a day (that's me) and since I do not know my cancer type, when you group the types together, there is still a significant statistical advantage to taking the pill.  Here are some of my somewhat disorganized notes on the subject:

 

ASPIRIN: Inconclusive effect, but probably some benefit–low dose about 30% benefit, may be dependant on the type of cancer.

In the CALGB 89803 cohort of stage III colon cancer patients, regular aspirin use (defined as consistent use while on adjuvant therapy and 6 months after the completion of adjuvant therapy) had a statistically significant 54% improvement in disease-free survival compared to non-regular users.64 A similar impact was seen in patients who were on COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib or rofecoxib).  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150459/

Helpful with some cancers: http://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2016.70.7547

no effect: http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/176884-195 no statistically significant effect of aspirin on CRC relapse

Helps: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848289/

Gov’t recommends for 50-59yo, low dose aspirin: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/aspirin-to-prevent-cardiovascular-disease-and-cancer
The USPSTF recommends initiating low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) in adults aged 50 to 59 years who have a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk, are not at increased risk for bleeding, have a life expectancy of at least 10 years, and are willing to take low-dose aspirin daily for at least 10 years.

Interview (helps, but not prescribed): http://www.cancernetwork.com/colorectal-cancer/role-aspirin-colorectal-cancer-prevention-and-treatment

25% ish, probably use for all forms, but effective only in some: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4838306/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4260025/
http://journal.waocp.org/article_32464_4ac9cde95f304cfecae73ecaa971ad67.pdf

Helps: but at 5-10 years: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354696/
Good summary article: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/research/aspirin-cancer-risk

Low dose aspirin 31% improvement (2017):In this cohort aspirin use was associated with a 31% improvement in cancer-specific survival compared to non-use (adjusted HR=0.69, 95% CI 0.47–0.98). This effect was more pronounced in tumors with high PTGS2 expression (PTGS2-high adjusted HR=0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.96) compared to those with low PTGS2 expression (PTGS2-low adjusted HR=1.19, 95% CI 0.68–2.07, P for interaction=0.09). The aspirin by PTGS2 interaction was significant for overall survival (PTGS2-high adjusted HR=0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.98 vs. PTGS2-low adjusted HR=1.28, 95% CI 0.80–2.03, P for interaction=0.04). However, no interaction was observed between aspirin use and PIK3CA mutation status for colorectal cancer-specific or overall survival.

http://www.nature.com/ctg/journal/v8/n4/full/ctg201718a.html

Rat study, chemoprotective effect of aspirin plus curcumin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28267439

Aspirin more effective in men than in women: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27765797

“In the three studies, median (maximum) follow-up was 5.1 (12), 5.8 (12) and 7.5 (13) years, respectively. 3,033 incident CRC cases were identified in Study 1, 3,174 in Study 2, and 12,333 in Study 3. Current use of low-dose aspirin was associated with a significantly reduced risk of 34%, 29% and 31% in the three studies, respectively; corresponding RRs (95% CIs) were 0.66 (0.60-0.73), 0.71 (0.63-0.80) and 0.69 (0.64-0.74).” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27428004

After diagnosis, 9.4% reduction in all cause mortality and 12.5% reduction in CRC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27247217

 

Thanks for digging those up

Thanks for digging those up and your general comments. So it can be statistically quite significant. I guess that doing all four things would increase your odds quite a bit and they all look worthwhile though I might go with the aspiring after chemo as I don't want thin blood issues.

I did not know that the types of CRC have been identified and categorized to a high degree. I had a look at one of the abstracts which mentioned CD274 - something that I've never heard of and it's determined by ImmunoHistoChemistry testing. I dd have IHC done to check for MSI but I don't recall anything similar to CD274. I also had genetic testing done and am waiting back for the results. The place that did it has Nextgen Sequencers so they can do parallel testing (multiple assays at one time). They might have the whole tumor genome as well though I don't know how I'd request analysis of specific genes short of getting it and trying to do it myself with a little help. It would be cool if they could just give me the genome and let me play around with it but I'd guess that it would take a very long time to get up to speed on doing analysis. I guess I will ask about it when I get the report back.

Did you have the option of gettng one or more of the indicated tests? I assume that your insurance didn't cover it or your oncologist wouldn't approve it.

I'll ask my son if he's heard of CD274 testing. If he's heard of it, then it's probably common.

NHMike

NHMike said:

Thanks for digging those up

Thanks for digging those up and your general comments. So it can be statistically quite significant. I guess that doing all four things would increase your odds quite a bit and they all look worthwhile though I might go with the aspiring after chemo as I don't want thin blood issues.

I did not know that the types of CRC have been identified and categorized to a high degree. I had a look at one of the abstracts which mentioned CD274 - something that I've never heard of and it's determined by ImmunoHistoChemistry testing. I dd have IHC done to check for MSI but I don't recall anything similar to CD274. I also had genetic testing done and am waiting back for the results. The place that did it has Nextgen Sequencers so they can do parallel testing (multiple assays at one time). They might have the whole tumor genome as well though I don't know how I'd request analysis of specific genes short of getting it and trying to do it myself with a little help. It would be cool if they could just give me the genome and let me play around with it but I'd guess that it would take a very long time to get up to speed on doing analysis. I guess I will ask about it when I get the report back.

Did you have the option of gettng one or more of the indicated tests? I assume that your insurance didn't cover it or your oncologist wouldn't approve it.

I'll ask my son if he's heard of CD274 testing. If he's heard of it, then it's probably common.

I asked him and he wasn't

I asked him and he wasn't aware of a specific assay for CD274 though it's possible that it goes by another name. He also said that it doesn't matter as NextGen Sequencing captures the whole thing so you (not sure what he meant by "you") can get everything in a report. It makes sequencing a lot cheaper as you had to run a test one by one with the old approaches. I'll ask the pathologist when he sends me my results if I can look at CD274 and any others related to aspirin.

SandiaBuddy

NHMike said:

I asked him and he wasn't

I asked him and he wasn't aware of a specific assay for CD274 though it's possible that it goes by another name. He also said that it doesn't matter as NextGen Sequencing captures the whole thing so you (not sure what he meant by "you") can get everything in a report. It makes sequencing a lot cheaper as you had to run a test one by one with the old approaches. I'll ask the pathologist when he sends me my results if I can look at CD274 and any others related to aspirin.

Testing

Do you know the cost of the testing?  

NHMike

SandiaBuddy said:

Testing

Do you know the cost of the testing?  

My son quotes me $1,000.

My son quotes me $1,000.

Wikipedia lists $1,400 in 2015 so I guess $1,000 for today is reasonable. Sequencing costs have come down dramatically over the last ten years.

I would guess that there are those here who have had the genetic testing so they would see the bill (though it's easy to lose things in a sea of hospital bills). I've never seen the report but would love to know what they cover by default these days. I should look around on the internet.

PamRav

Testing

I was tested for BRAF ( negative) ,  KRAS ( was mutated) and  satellite  status (stable) NRAS ( inconclusive).   I don't recall a separate  billing for these tests. Bby then I have reached my deductible. So would have been paid in full if it was covered. Are these the tests you are discussing??   Or are they more intense than these.  

NHMike

PamRav said:

Testing

I was tested for BRAF ( negative) ,  KRAS ( was mutated) and  satellite  status (stable) NRAS ( inconclusive).   I don't recall a separate  billing for these tests. Bby then I have reached my deductible. So would have been paid in full if it was covered. Are these the tests you are discussing??   Or are they more intense than these.  

Was it ImmunoHistoChemistry

Was it ImmunoHistoChemistry testing or genetic? Mine was IHC and it's a lot cheaper then genetic testing. I did not receive a separate bill - they took four tubes of blood from me (I was rather shocked when she told me how much they were taking), and it was to do the DPD (enzyme test where you can die from 5 FU if you're the rare person), and other routine bloodwork. I didn't see a bill for the blood tests - only the results. They might have been rolled into a doctors visit or hospital bill.

The new NextGen Sequencing machines can sequence the whole tumor genome. That's way more information than is needed for diagnosis and treatment plannng though. I think that they do a difference between the tumor genome and the patient "normal" genome. I'm not really sure what they do with the results though but I think that processing is standard. I've gone though the code that does the diffing before (trying to speed it up) so I have a rough idea as to what it tries to do, but only from a code perspective. I don't really understand the genomic data at all.

The genetic testing is a lot more important for lung cancer where there are more targetted therapies. So if you have a specific type of cancer, then we'll give you this drug. I have a coworker that would be dead right now if he didn't get the genetic testing and the drug that allowed him to live. The researchers determined that that kind of cancer typically mutates to another form in about a year. So they came up with a drug for that mutation as well and he's taking that to survive until we develop a cure.

PamRav

Testing on my tumor

i know the results I received knocks me out from getting the newer drugs as they do not work on my tumors.  Next time I see the doc I'm going to nail him down on exactly what testing was done and if there are other tests that will be of value. 

pattern my first onco visit they did take tubes and tubes of blood.   They post the results on a website that I access, but I inadvertently found out from one of nurses yesterday that not everything actually gets posted there...hmmm