About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. In the U.S., approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 25. CRC is more common in men, with an average age at diagnosis of 66. While screening and lifestyle changes have improved detection in older adults, incidence is rising among individuals under 50, often with more advanced disease at diagnosis—highlighting the need for improved early detection and novel treatment approaches.
BET Inhibitors and Colorectal Cancer
A significant proportion of CRC cases lack targeted therapy options. We are developing ZEN-3694 for the treatment of advanced refractory CRC in combination with other agents. BET inhibitors have shown efficacy in preclinical CRC models, both single agent and in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapies. ZEN-3694, is being tested in two NCI-sponsored clinical trials, for the treatment of CRC. First in combination with capecitabine, in patients with metastatic or unresectable cancer that have progressed on standard therapies (NCT05803382), and second, in combination encorafenib, and cetuximab, in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma with known BRAF V600E mutation (NCT06102902).
