A new discovery in bioengineering may explain the rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer – cases diagnosed in individuals under the age of 50. Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) have identified tissue stiffness as a key factor in the progression of the disease. This finding is particularly critical as colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for adults under 50 in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.
The study, published in Advanced Science, involved analyzing tissue samples from cancer patients, comparing those diagnosed before age 50 with those receiving a traditional diagnosis at an older age. Researchers found that both cancerous tissue and the surrounding healthy tissue were significantly more rigid in younger patients compared to older patients. This increased stiffness is linked to an excess of collagen and fibrosis – or scarring – which reduces the colon wall’s flexibility.
The Role of Biomechanical Forces
Until now, the increase in early-onset cases has been a clinical puzzle. “This represents the first study that highlights the key role of biomechanical forces in the development of early-onset colorectal cancer,” said Jacopo Ferruzzi, assistant professor of bioengineering at the Erik Jonsson School and lead author of the research. The research team confirmed their findings using 3D organoids, demonstrating that a mechanically rigid environment accelerates the proliferation of tumor cells, making them more aggressive.
Future Directions and Potential Treatments
The collaboration between engineers and physicians at the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building allowed for a physical approach to a biological challenge. Understanding how mechanical forces contribute to cancer development could lead to identifying individuals with fibrotic or rigid tissues *before* the disease manifests. Researchers hope to develop treatments that aim to “soften” the extracellular environment to slow tumor growth. The UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, is dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer through research and patient care.
