Boston Researchers Discover Distinct Cellular Differences in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Tumors
Boston researchers examining why colorectal cancer rates are climbing among adults under 50 have identified distinct cellular and genetic differences in tumors from younger patients compared to older cohorts, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. The findings, led by scientists at Mass General Brigham, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Broad Institute and the Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, reveal that younger patients’ tumors contain a higher proportion of stromal connective-tissue cells relative to cancer cells.
The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 have risen nearly 3% each year from 2013 through 2022, making the disease the leading cause of cancer-related death in that age group. To understand these shifts, researchers analyzed 189 tumors and more than 850,000 individual cell nuclei, including samples from 54 patients under 50.
Ana Anderson, a senior co-author of the study, stated that the research aimed to determine whether the disease fundamentally differs in younger individuals. “We’ve seen, as you said, this trend has been increasing, the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 for some time. But we really didn’t know why,” Anderson said.
The analysis showed that stromal cells in younger patient tumors exist in higher proportions relative to malignant cancer cells. According to Anderson, these stromal cells can produce factors that suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight cancer.
Patient Impact and Early Detection Urged by Survivors
The research offers valuable context for survivors like Kristen Vincent of Orleans, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 37. Vincent’s treatment regimen at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute involved 28 days of radiation, surgery, eight rounds of chemotherapy, and 11 months with an ileostomy bag.
“Every day I would tell myself, cancer is not going to kill me today,” Vincent said. Now, Vincent has had five years of clean scans.
While the study does not yet offer proof linking the differences to more aggressive disease, Anderson noted that the findings establish specific biological differences to investigate for future treatments tailored to younger patients. Vincent urged younger adults to monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical evaluation for persistent warning signs.
“If you are finding blood in your stool, you need to call your doctor right away if it is a consistent thing, because the earlier you’re able to get the diagnosis, the higher likelihood you will have to beat this,” Vincent said. “So please don’t be embarrassed. Colonoscopies are not that bad. It’s just so critical to catch it early.”
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