The Optimisticc team is supported through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. Learn more here
The Optimisticc team is supported through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. Learn more here
Metatranscriptomics (abbreviated "MTX") is a powerful method for measuring the gene expression (functional activity) of many members of a microbial community all at the same time by using shotgun DNA sequencing technology. In a recent review article, the Huttenhower...
In a recent publication, the Sears lab showed that introduction of the BRAFV600E mutation into mice colonized with enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) leads to production of midcolon tumors with similarity to human BRAFV600E tumors and distinct from the...
The Giannakis and Ogino labs have published a new study in Cancer Discovery that describes a mutational signature associated with high intake of red meat and increased colorectal cancer mortality. The team analyzed whole exome sequencing and...
In a new review in Cell Host & Microbe, Jens Puschhof and Cayetano Pleguezuelos-Manzano, from the lab of Hans Clevers, describe advances in co-culturing microbes with intestinal and colonic epithelia. Organoid and organ-on-a-chip platforms in particular are...
The US Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the age for routine colorectal cancer screening. The recommendation follows months of discussion and input from other societies including the American Cancer Society and many colorectal cancer advocacy organizations. ...
Watch Dr. Laura Porter's presentation at the 2nd Annual Global Colon Cancer Association's 2021 Congress Thriving Patient Advocate | Global Colorectal Cancer Congress (gccacongress.org)
A collaboration of the Quirke and Huttenhower labs has led to the publication of two papers, in Clinical Cancer Research and Genome Medicine, that report a microbiome signature that is associated with colorectal cancer and is consistent between developed and...
The Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation has recognized OPTIMISTICC Co-Investigator Dr. Cindy Sears, as a 2021 Women of ID honoree for her impactful career in infectious disease research, compassionate care, and mentoring the next generation of ID...
Team OPTIMISTICC kicked off Colon Cancer Awareness month at our March 5 team meeting, where we honored Dress in Blue Day by photographing ourselves in our many shades of blue. In the top row of the left photograph above you will see Anita Mitchell Isler, who started...
What seemed to be impossible at the age of 40 became a reality in October of 1995. Married with three young children 7, 9 and 13 years old, and practicing law in Montreal, I thought I had it all. I was sure the constant migraines were the caused by the bright lights...
I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer following an emergency presentation with a rectal haemorrhage. I had severe complications immediately post-surgery and I was not expected to survive. I am one of the lucky ones. I am now a 20 year survivor who has beaten the odds and...
I was diagnosed with IV Colon Cancer in 2005 just after turning 41. I had been to my primary doctor 5 months earlier complaining of blood in my stool and diarrhea.I was told it was hemorrhoids and not to worry, I did not need a colonoscopy, like it was a bad thing. I...
