Publications by authors named "A Venook"
Background: Gene signatures derived from transcriptomic-causal networks offer potential for tailoring clinical care in cancer treatment by identifying predictive and prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to uncover such signatures in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to aid treatment decisions.
Methods: We constructed transcriptomic-causal networks and integrated gene interconnectivity into overall survival (OS) analysis to control for confounding genes.
Background: Early changes in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are a promising surrogate endpoint for systemic treatment outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Objectives: We sought to investigate the utility of AFP response across first-line sorafenib (1L SOR) and later-line checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapies.
Design: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced HCC who received 1L SOR and any subsequent CPI.
Plant-based diet and survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
J Natl Cancer Inst
January 2025
Background: A plant-based diet is associated with better survival among patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), but its association in metastatic CRC is unknown.
Methods: Using an National Cancer Institute-sponsored trial (CALGB/SWOG 80405), we included 1284 patients who completed validated food frequency questionnaires at the initiation of metastatic CRC treatment. We calculated 3 indices: overall plant-based diet index (PDI), which emphasized consumption of all plant foods while reducing animal food intake; healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), which emphasized consumption of healthful plant foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI), which emphasized consumption of less healthful plant foods such as fruit juices, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Article Synopsis
- - Determining the best treatment plan for rectal cancer is complicated, involving choices between curative or palliative surgery and considering impact on bowel function and quality of life, especially for distal rectal cancer patients.
- - Patients with rectal cancer face a higher risk of pelvic recurrence compared to those with colon cancer, making careful patient selection and a multidisciplinary treatment approach essential for better outcomes.
- - Recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Rectal Cancer include new treatment options like endoscopic submucosal dissection for early cases, revisions to the total neoadjuvant therapy strategy, and a nonoperative "watch-and-wait" option for patients who respond well to initial therapy.