1. Non-coding rnas as potential biomarkers for colorectal polyps and cancer detectionSamo Plut, Aleksandar Gavrić, Damjan Glavač, 2025, review article Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The precursor of CRC is a colorectal polyp, of which adenoma is the most common histological type. The initial step in CRC development is the gradual accumulation of a series of genetic and epigenetic alterations in the normal colonic epithelium. Genetic alterations play a major role in a subset of CRCs, but the pathophysiological contribution of epigenetic aberrations has recently attracted attention. Epigenetic marks occur early in cancer pathogenesis and are therefore important molecular hallmarks of cancer. This makes some epigenetic alterations clinically relevant for early detection not only of CRC but also of precancerous polyps. In this review we focus on three types of non-coding RNAs as epigenetic regulators: miRNA, lncRNA, and lncRNAs, highlighting their biomarker potential. Keywords: colorectal polyp, colorectal cancer, CRC, genetic susceptibility non-coding RNAs, epigenetic regulators Published in DiRROS: 27.02.2026; Views: 323; Downloads: 205
Full text (261,18 KB) This document has many files! More... |
2. The influence of periodontal disease and periodontal treatment on colorectal cancerUrša Potočnik, Erik Brecelj, Rok Schara, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Periodontal disease (PD) is associated with more than 50 diseases and conditions, including colorectal cancer. The study aimed to investigate if periodontal treatment influences the blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in colorectal cancer patients. In addition, the aim was to isolate periodontal pathogenic bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), which are most linked to colorectal cancer (CRC), from the mucosa of the cancer-affected intestine. Patients and methods: To assess the effect of periodontal treatment on colorectal cancer, we measured the CRP levels in the blood during cancer therapy on the day of the initial examination by the oncological surgeon, two days following surgery, and at the first follow-up appointment. We compared the CRP levels between two groups: the group of subjects who underwent periodontal treatment and the patients who did not receive periodontal disease treatment. An attempt was made to isolate the periodontal pathogenic bacteria FN and PG from the mucosa of the cancerous tissue in the colon by using quantitative culture. Results We found no statistically significant difference between the groups in the initial CRP measurements before starting cancer treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the CRP measurements taken 1st and 2nd day after surgery and at the follow-up appointment. We could not isolate periodontal pathogenic bacteria FN and PG from cancer-altered intestine mucosa using the quantitative culture method. Conclusions Our study did not find any correlation between periodontal treatment and CRC. Keywords: periodontal disease, colorectal cancer, periodontal treatment, fusobacterium nucleatum, porphyromonas gingivalis, C-reactive protein Published in DiRROS: 11.02.2026; Views: 516; Downloads: 213
Full text (489,87 KB) This document has many files! More... |
3. Gender impact on quality of life in colorectal cancer survivorsAleksandra Grbič, Majda Čaušević, Sara Brodarič, Mojca Birk, Irena Oblak, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate gender-specific differences in the quality of life (QoL) and late effects among colorectal cancer patients during the first two years after treatment, to inform and improve long-term follow-up care and clinical management strategies. Patients and methods A total of 239 colorectal cancer patients were included, 56% males and 44% females, mostly in the age range 60–69 years. They were treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, during the time period from 1st September 2023 to 1st May 2024. In addition to demographic data, we included clinical data on disease and outcomes collected using the standardized quality of life questionnaires of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) named EORTC QLQ-30 and EORTC QLQ-CR29 for colorectal cancer, respectively. Results Females were more likely to experience emotional problems (p = 0.002), higher levels of fatigue (p < 0.001), insomnia (p = 0.015), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.007), which may also be associated with poorer appetite in females. Males reported better body image than female (p = 0.047), lower levels of anxiety (p = 0.029), less frequently reported perceived weight loss or gain (p = 0.010). Male reported more stool frequency (p = 0.045), and also had more sever dysuria compared to female (p = 0.008). Conclusions The results provide the opportunity to improve the clinical management of long-term follow-up and care planning, taking into consideration the gender-specific needs of colorectal cancer survivors. Keywords: quality of life, late effects, colorectal cancer Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 1009; Downloads: 178
Full text (743,07 KB) |
4. Phase angle as a prognostic indicator of surgical outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal cancerJana Gulin, Ester Ipavic, Denis Mlakar-Mastnak, Erik Brecelj, Ibrahim Edhemović, Nada Rotovnik-Kozjek, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: phase angle, colorectal cancer, postoperative complications, malnutrition Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 1670; Downloads: 418
Full text (407,15 KB) |
5. Two-stage hepatectomy in resection of colorectal liver metastases - a single-institution experience with case-control matching and review of the literatureŠpela Turk, Irena Plahuta, Tomislav Magdalenić, Tajda Španring, Kevin Laufer, Žan Mavc, Stojan Potrč, Arpad Ivanecz, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: colorectal cancer, liver metastasis, future liver remnant, posthepatectomy liver failure Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 1123; Downloads: 1038
Full text (399,94 KB) This document has many files! More... |
6. The five-year KRAS, NRAS and BRAF analysis results and treatment patterns in daily clinical practice in Slovenia in 1st line treatment of metastatic colorectal (mCRC) patients with RASwild-type tumour (wtRAS) : a real- life data report 2013–2018Tanja Mesti, Martina Reberšek, Janja Ocvirk, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background. We preformed a Phase IV non-interventional study to assess KRAS, NRAS and BRAF status in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients suitable for 1st line treatment and to evaluate the decisions for 1st line treatment considering the treatment goals in the RAS wild type (wt) patients. The aim of our study was also to evaluate the influ-ence of a waiting period for biomarkers analysis on the start of first-line treatment.Patients and methods. Patients with histologically confirmed mCRC adenocarcinoma suitable for first-line treat-ment fulfilling all inclusion criteria were included in the study. The KRAS, NRAS and BRAF analysis was performed from tissue samples of primary tumor site or metastatic site. All included patients have given consent to participate in the study by signing the informed consent form. Results. From April 2013 to March 2018 at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana 650 patients were included, 637 of them were treated with first- line systemic treatment according to RAS and BRAF status. Remaining 13 patients with mCRC did not receive systemic first-line treatment. The distribution of patients with KRAS mutated and wild-type tumors, was almost equal, 48.8% and 47.9% respectively, 89 % of the patients had wt NRAS tumours and 86.1% had wt BRAF tu-mours. The most frequently prescribed treatment was bevacizumab-based therapy (53.1%), either in combination with doublet chemotherapy or with mono-chemotherapy. EGFR inhibitors cetuximab and panitumumab were prescribed in wt RAS mCRC patients (30.9%). The waiting period for biomarkers analysis was two weeks.Conclusions. Our real-world data, single centre 5-year analysis showed that the distribution between wild type and mutated type tumors of the patients with mCRC was approximately the same, as worldwide, so the Slovenian popula-tion with mCRC has the same ratio distribution of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF wild and mutated genes. We concluded that a two-week waiting period for biomarkers analysis did not influence the first line treatment decision, so it was in the accordance with the worldwide treatment guidelines based on evidence-based medicine. Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer, RAS and BRAF biomarkers, systemic treatment Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 1084; Downloads: 469
Full text (367,23 KB) |
7. Consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) in metastatic colorectal cancer : personalized medicine decisionMartina Reberšek, 2020, review article Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Metastatic disease is still incurable in most of these patients, but the survival rate has improved by treatment with novel systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapy in combination with surgery. New knowledge of its complex heterogeneity in terms of genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics and microenvironment, including prognostic and clinical characteristics, led to its classification into various molecular subtypes of metastatic CRC, called consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). The CMS classification thus enables the medical oncologists to adjust the treatment from case to case. They can determine which type of systemic chemotherapy or targeted therapy is best suited to a specific patient, what dosages are needed and in what order. Conclusions. CMS in metastatic CRC are the new tool to include the knowledge of molecular factors, tumour stroma and signalling pathways for personalized, patient-orientated systemic treatment in precision medicine. Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer, heterogeneity, biomarkers, consensus molecular subtype Published in DiRROS: 12.07.2024; Views: 1451; Downloads: 380
Full text (326,09 KB) |
8. |
9. Health-related quality of life in Slovenian patients with colorectal cancer : a single tertiary care center studyJan Grosek, Jerica Novak, Katja Kitek, Alta Bajrić, Ana Majdič, Jurij Aleš Košir, Aleš Tomažič, 2019, original scientific article Keywords: health-related quality of life, colorectal cancer, colorectal surgery, Slovenia Published in DiRROS: 05.07.2024; Views: 1465; Downloads: 706
Full text (287,71 KB) This document has many files! More... |
10. Interval cancers after negative immunochemical test compared to screen and non-respondersʼ detected cancers in Slovenian colorectal cancer screening programmeDominika Novak-Mlakar, Tatjana Kofol-Bric, Ana Lucija Škrjanec, Mateja Krajc, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: We assessed the incidence and characteristics of interval cancers after faecal immunochemical occult blood test and calculated the test sensitivity in Slovenian colorectal cancer screening programme. Patients and methods. The analysis included the population aged between 50 to 69 years, which was invited for screening between April 2011 and December 2012. The persons were followed-up until the next foreseen invitation, in average for 2 years. The data on interval cancers and cancers in non-responders were obtained from cancer registry. Gender, age, years of schooling, the cancer site and stage were compared among three observed groups. We used the proportional incidence method to calculate the screening test sensitivity. Results. Among 502,488 persons invited for screening, 493 cancers were detected after positive screening test, 79 interval cancers after negative faecal immunochemical test and 395 in non-responders. The proportion of interval cancers was 13.8%. Among the three observed groups cancers were more frequent in men (p = 0.009) and in persons aged 60+ years (p < 0.001). Comparing screen detected and cancers in non-responders with interval cancers more interval cancers were detected in persons with 10 years of schooling or more (p = 0.029 and p = 0.001), in stage III (p = 0.027) and IV (p < 0.001), and in right hemicolon (p < 0.001). Interval cancers were more frequently in stage I than non-responders cancers (p = 0.004). Test sensitivity of faecal immunochemical test was 88.45%. Conclusions. Interval cancers in Slovenian screening programme were detected in expected proportions as in similar programmes. Test sensitivity was among the highest when compared to similar programmes and was accomplished using test kit for two stool samples. Keywords: cancer screening, colorectal cancer, faecal immunochemical test, test sensitivity Published in DiRROS: 10.06.2024; Views: 1312; Downloads: 414
Full text (288,68 KB) |