The 2025 edition of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting brought exciting news for the colorectal cancer (CRC) community. Researchers presented new data that could change the way some CRC patients are treated or monitored, offering better outcomes and quality of life. At DiCE, we’ve selected a few key highlights to share with our community.

One of the most talked-about studies was the CHALLENGE trial, a large randomised phase 3 study involving 889 patients with stage II (high risk) and stage III colon cancer. Patients followed a structured, supervised exercise program with coaching for three years, compared to a control group receiving educational materials on physical activity and healthy eating. After a median follow-up of 8 years, the exercise group had a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or death (hazard ratio 0.72) and a 7.1% higher overall survival rate (90.3% vs 83.2%). These results demonstrate that something as accessible as a structured exercise program can be a powerful ally, not only to improve quality of life during and after treatment but also to significantly increase long-term survival.

Another important study focused on patients with metastatic colorectal cancer carrying a BRAF V600E mutation—a form of the disease that is often more aggressive and harder to treat. The BREAKWATER clinical trial tested a new combination of drugs: encorafenib, cetuximab, and chemotherapy. This new approach doubled the median overall survival compared to current standards and showed a higher treatment response. These findings could lead to better first-line options for patients with this mutation.

Immunotherapy was another key topic at ASCO. New long-term results from the CheckMate-8HW trial showed that combining two immunotherapy drugs—nivolumab and ipilimumab—can bring long-lasting benefits to patients with MSI-H or dMMR metastatic CRC (tumours with certain genetic features). Although exact percentages vary, the combination demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy, confirming immunotherapy as a game changer for this group of patients.

Finally, a European study called ALASCCA looked at the use of aspirin in patients with early-stage CRC and a specific gene pathway alteration (PI3K). Taking low-dose aspirin daily for three years after surgery led to a substantial reduction in cancer recurrence. If confirmed in future research, this could offer a simple and affordable way to lower the risk of relapse for some patients.

What these studies have in common is a move toward more personalised, patient-centred care, where treatments are tailored not just to the tumour, but also to the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and values. Whether it’s avoiding unnecessary side effects, offering better treatment responses, or using everyday tools like exercise and aspirin, the goal is the same: to help more people live longer and better lives.

At DiCE, we will continue to follow these developments closely and share updates with our community. If you want to learn more about any of these studies, or if you have questions about your own treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Author:

Marianna Vitaloni