A new method, based on gene editing with oligonucleotides and functional analyses, identifies which variants of DNA repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome are truly harmful and which are not. Scientists at The Netherlands Cancer Institute have developed this technique and classified these gene variants in both coding and noncoding regions, distinguishing those that are pathogenic from those that are benign.
Rhythm Biosciences Ltd. launched a new genetype colorectal cancer risk assessment clinical test that incorporates clinical and lifestyle risk factors alongside its established 140-SNP polygenic risk score to identify people at elevated risk of colorectal cancer. The test supports more targeted screening and complements Melbourne-based Rhythm’s Colostat blood-based CRC detection test, which debuted in Australia in December 2025.
FGFR1 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that drives multiple intracellular signaling pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation, survival and progression. Because these pathways are frequently hyperactivated in colorectal cancer (CRC), FGFR1 represents a biologically relevant therapeutic target, and its inhibition has the potential to simultaneously suppress several oncogenic mechanisms.
A2 Biotherapeutics Inc. has gained IND clearance from the FDA for A2B-543 for the treatment of germline heterozygous HLA-A*02 adults with recurrent unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
Laekna Pharmaceutical Ningbo Co. Ltd. has identified Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase (WRN; RECQ3; RECQL2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Cartography Biosciences Inc. has received IND approval from the FDA for CBI-1214, a T-cell engager being developed for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Approaches that recruit and activate tumor-infiltrating T cells could help reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, making immunotherapy more effective for patients with microsatellite stability and low microsatellite instability colorectal cancers. Oncolytic viruses can offer an alternative to help stimulate the antitumor immunity in ‘cold’ tumors.
Oniria Therapeutics SL, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ) have partnered to advance ONR-001 for the treatment of colorectal cancer and to prepare it for clinical trials.
D3 Bio Inc. secured $108 million in a series B financing round Dec. 9 to support its planned phase III program of lead oral KRAS G12C inhibitor, elisrasib (D3S-001).
