A new study suggests that long-term inflammation may physically change the colon in ways that promote early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC). Researchers found that chronic inflammation can increase the stiffness of colon tissue, potentially creating conditions that help cancer develop and spread. The findings, published in Advanced Science, point to new possibilities for identifying people at risk and developing targeted treatments for this aggressive form of CRC.
“We consider this study a significant advancement toward identifying those at risk of early-onset CRC and finding new ways to treat them,” said Emina Huang, M.D., M.B.A., Professor of Surgery in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Executive Vice Chair of Research for Surgery at UT Southwestern. She is also Professor of Biomedical Engineering and in…