Ep. 90 - "What's New" in cancer news and research: Colorectal cancer, New hope for the BRAF & KRAS mutations and exploring gut health

This March, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking down three important topics in colorectal cancer research, treatment, and prevention.

Topics Covered:

The BREAKWATER Trial

We discuss the BREAKWATER clinical trial — a landmark study exploring frontline treatment for BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. We cover what the trial is testing, who it’s designed for, and why its early findings have the oncology world paying attention.

NEJM.org

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12197837/

Memorial Sloan Kettering & KRAS Research

MSK has been at the forefront of targeting the KRAS mutation — long considered “undruggable.” We break down what KRAS is, why it plays a significant role in colorectal cancer, and what MSK’s latest research means for patients and the future of treatment.

https://www.mskcc.org/news/new-colorectal-cancer-treatments-at-msk-aim-to-reduce-deaths-in-2026-and-beyond

Gut Health, Fiber & Colorectal Cancer Prevention

We explore the connection between gut health and colorectal cancer risk, including the important differences between soluble and insoluble fiber. We cover what each type of fiber does in the body, the best food sources for each, and why insoluble fiber in particular is a key player in colorectal cancer prevention.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-soluble-and-insoluble-fiber