WCM-Q probes link between insulin resistance and colorectal cancer
Tribune News Network
Doha
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have explored the possible links between insulin resistance and early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in a new article published in Cancer Cell (Cell Press), a leading scientific journal.
Cancer, regardless of type, is generally considered a disease that occurs later in life, typically after 50-60 years of age. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Programme of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, indicates that the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 66.
However, more recently, younger individuals under the age of 45-50 have been diagnosed with cancers (early-onset cancers; EOCs).
Although this shifting trend in cancer epidemiology has been reported previously, this occurrence gained significant attention in early 2024, with many major news outlets and research/medical institutions reporting a rise in EOCs.
Among the various EOCs, gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), seem to be rapidly increasing among the younger population. This trend appears similar for countries in the MENA region, including Qatar.
'As cancer researchers, we were captivated by the question of 'why this is happening?'' said Prof. Dietrich Büsselberg, professor of physiology and biophysics, one of the co-corresponding authors of the article. 'It is well known that genetic mutations that cause CRC and hereditary CRC-associated syndromes are highly penetrant and increase the risk of CRC. However, it is unlikely that this risk factor alone has changed so dramatically in successive generations of the population to account for the significant increase in EOCRC in recent years.'
Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel, research associate in physiology and biophysics and co-corresponding author of the article, said: 'Our in-depth review of existing literature led us to identify a possible culprit behind this occurrence, namely insulin resistance.'
A growing body of evidence points to insulin resistance, a hallmark of common metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, as a possible key risk factor contributing to the incidence and progression of EOCRC. Insulin resistance, defined as the inability of cells to respond to normal insulin, results in hyperinsulinemia (an increase in circulating insulin levels in the blood) much earlier in life than is typically recognized.
Surprisingly, insulin resistance can drive metabolic changes very early in life and depends on several early-life external factors to which the individual is exposed.
Elizabeth Varghese, a senior research specialist, is the other author of the paper, titled 'Complexity of insulin resistance in early-onset colorectal cancer'. The paper also infers that managing insulin resistance through dietary and/or lifestyle changes and therapeutic interventions is likely to be effective in reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer among young individuals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
2 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Aspiring scientists sharpen their skills at WCM-Q biomedical training programme
Tribune News Network Doha Four aspiring biomedical scientists have gained key research skills by completing the 2025 cycle of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar's (WCM-Q) Biomedical Research Training Programme (BRTP) for nationals. The interns who participated in this year's programme are Raghad Rabie El Ghali, Hadeel Alashwal, Maryam Ali, and Sara Muhamed Saleh. The programme is designed to give Qatari nationals and long-term residents who have recently graduated from college a firm foundation in practical laboratory and research administration skills, and experience conducting real clinical research projects while working alongside WCM-Q's highly qualified scientific faculty in the college's state-of-the-art laboratories. To celebrate their successful completion of the programme, the interns were presented with certificates at a special graduation ceremony. This year marks the 13th annual cycle of the Biomedical Research Training Programme for Nationals, which was launched in 2011. To date, the programme has helped 62 graduates, including this year's cohort, take their first steps toward successful careers in research. Dr Khaled Machaca, professor of physiology and biophysics/senior associate dean for research, innovations, and commercialization at WCM-Q, said: 'I am honoured to congratulate our latest cohort of talented graduates from the Biomedical Research Training Programme. These impressive young scientists have dedicated the last 10 months to acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to become not only exceptional scientists but also vital contributors to Qatar's thriving biomedical research sector. I wish them every success in the next stages of their careers.' This year's BRTP interns are graduates of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, the University of Zhengzhou in China, and the International Medical University in Malaysia. Tembela Eweje, associate director, grants, contracts and research training, said: 'This programme is more than just training; it's about building a diverse and capable biomedical workforce for Qatar. The programme is designed to equip emerging scientists with critical skills and provide the mentorship they need for their careers after completion. During the graduation ceremony, our trainees expressed their excitement about the future and their eagerness to engage in activities that will help them gain the expertise needed to lead transformative research. One trainee mentioned that the program provided them with what they would equate to about 10 years of experience in just 10 months.' The programme has become an established bridge for college graduates to transition to the workplace and kickstart successful careers in research. Graduates from previous cycles have gone on to publish in leading journals and have been accepted to graduate school programmes in Qatar and abroad, while others have established careers in research at prestigious institutions across Qatar and the region.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH boosts health tech assessment in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently organised a high-level workshop to enhance national capacities in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and health policy in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Hoffmann-La Roche. The workshop formed part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to entrench evidence-based decision-making across healthcare sectors and to promote long-term sustainability and resilience within Qatar's health system. The workshop aimed to strengthen national capabilities in HTA and health policy. Establishing a dedicated national unit in this field and developing a comprehensive assessment framework with clear standards are part of the twelfth outcome, 'Excellence in Health Research, Development, and Innovation,' under the third priority, 'Efficiency and Resilience of the Health System,' in the National Health Strategy 2024–2030. The workshop reflected the ministry's commitment to ensuring the effective and equitable allocation of health resources, supporting innovation through effective governance of emerging technologies, and enhancing the overall resilience and sustainability of the health system. It also underscored the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving national health priorities. These efforts align with the goals of the Human Development Pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the priorities of the National Health Strategy, particularly in building a high-performing, efficient, person-centred, data-driven health system that is responsive to current and future health needs. The workshop was opened by Dr Anas Hamad, head of the National Health Technology Assessment Unit Project within the National Health Strategy at the Ministry of Public Health, who emphasised the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the ministry's objectives under its 2024–2030 strategy, improve health system outcomes, and build specialised national capacities in this field. He said, 'The project to establish a national Health Technology Assessment (HTA) unit is based on the third priority of the National Health Strategy, which focuses on efficiency and resilience, and is part of the twelfth outcome relating to excellence in research, development, and innovation. The HTA project is a pivotal initiative to develop an integrated and reliable framework to support transparent, evidence-based decision-making within Qatar's health system. 'Through systematic evaluation of the clinical, economic, and social impacts of modern health technologies, we aim to ensure the best health value for citizens and residents, and to enhance the sustainability of Qatar's health system. This workshop is a foundational step for this project, which will contribute to achieving a sustainable, high-quality, efficient, patient-centred, and prudent health system that meets the needs of current and future generations.' Dr Ahmed Tawfiq, general manager of Hoffmann-La Roche in the Gulf region, stressed the importance of unifying efforts between the public and private sectors to develop sustainability frameworks aligned with shared objectives. He said, 'Today, we are working with our partners at the Ministry of Public Health and the London School of Economics and Political Science to achieve a shared goal of improving healthcare in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By building capacity in health technology assessment, we ensure that the right treatments reach the right patients at the right time, relying on the latest scientific evidence and modern technologies.' Professor Elias Mossialos, chair in Health Policy and director of the LSE Health Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science, said: 'The LSE is proud to deliver an intensive two-day training programme for the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, focusing on key trends in healthcare, disease prevention and early diagnosis, and economic evaluation in healthcare as an essential tool for improving system performance and decision-making, in addition to HTA programmes and value-based frameworks introduced by health innovations.' Through lectures and discussions over two days, delivered and moderated by Professor Elias Mossialos, Dr Panos Kanavos, and Dr Alex Carter, the workshop provided participants with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the frameworks, capabilities, and key factors required to build an effective HTA structure. The focus was on applying real-world evidence to inform policy and investment decisions, and laying the foundation for the systematic and organised use of economic evaluation within Qatar's health policy framework.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Magnetic anastomosis surgery preformed at HMC for obesity patients
Tribune News Network Doha In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a first of its kind in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, a surgical team at Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) National Bariatric Centre has successfully performed two advanced modified duodenal switch procedures using magnetic anastomosis technology. The surgeries were conducted on two patients in their thirties who had previously undergone bariatric surgery, but experienced excessive weight regain. Both procedures were performed at HMC's Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital by a specialised medical team, underscoring HMC's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies and innovations in bariatric surgery. Dr Mohamed Al Kuwari, Director of HMC's National Bariatric Centre, said: 'The new technique, known as the Magnet Anastomosis System and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), uses medical magnets to safely and accurately connect parts of the small intestine without the need for surgical stapling or sutures. 'This method helps reduce the risks of leakage and bleeding, accelerates tissue healing, shortens operative time, and minimises the risk for postoperative complications. It also eliminates the need for permanent metal implants in the body, which contributes to further enhancing patient safety.' The two patients had previously undergone traditional bariatric procedures but faced challenges in maintaining their weight loss, which required a more advanced surgical intervention. 'The magnetic anastomosis technology was used as a safe and effective treatment option, with initial results showing promising responses and improved health outcomes. Modified duodenal switch surgery is considered one of the most effective procedures for weight loss in patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 50, or in those who did not achieve satisfactory results with other procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, as well as patients with type 2 diabetes,' added Dr. Al Kuwari. Dr Moataz Basha, senior consultant Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at HMC, said: 'This innovative technique significantly simplified the surgical procedure, especially during the delicate stage of creating intestinal connections, which is traditionally one of the most complex steps. The new technique uses two small medical magnets, each with a diameter of no more than 4cm. The first magnet is swallowed orally by the patient and monitored via radiographic imaging to confirm its arrival in the small intestine. At a later stage, under anaesthesia, the second magnet is introduced with a minor surgical procedure. The two magnets are aligned and connected via imaging, which results in a natural digestive connection being formed without the traditional but more invasive surgical intervention. The magnets naturally exit the body after approximately three weeks, requiring no additional procedures.' Dr. Basha emphasized that this surgical achievement highlights the expertise of HMC's medical teams and reinforces the Corporation's position as a leading regional centre in the field of bariatric surgery.
