Previous Research

Bowel Inflammation and Cancer: RAGE research

Columbia University Medical Center investigators are studying toxins and their relation to bowel inflammation and cancer. They are also evaluating subjects who are unable to produce an inflammatory hormone called interleukin-10.

Longitudinal studies demonstrate that the inflammation progresses to pre-cancerous or cancerous abnormalities. The researchers have discovered a key component in this process called RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts). This molecule is activated by inflammatory cells. The team is studying whether a blockade of RAGE can prevent progression to cancer.