Colorectal Cancer

Ninja Nerds!

In this lecture, Professor Zach Murphy discusses colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This high-yield session emphasizes the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic approach, and treatment strategies for both colon and rectal cancer.

We begin by exploring the molecular pathways involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, including the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, microsatellite instability (MSI) pathway, and the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). Zach highlights key mutations such as APC, KRAS, TP53, and MLH1/MSH2 that drive tumor progression in sporadic and inherited forms like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

The lecture reviews clinical features of CRC, including changes in bowel habits, occult or overt GI bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, and weight loss. We also discuss common anatomic locations—right-sided vs. left-sided tumors—and their differing presentations and behavior.We then review the diagnostic workup, focusing on colonoscopy with biopsy, tumor markers (CEA), and staging using CT imaging. Finally, treatment options are discussed based on stage and location, ranging from surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy to targeted therapies in metastatic disease.

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Table of Contents:

0:00 Lab
0:34 Pathophysiology of Colorectal Cancer
19:40 Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
24:25 Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
36:05 Classic Findings and Complications of Colorectal Cancer
1:01:09 Diagnostic Approach to Colorectal Cancer
1:24:03 Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
1:35:36 Comment, Like, SUBSCRIBE!

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