Investigating the Causal Effect of Potential Therapeutic Agents for Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Conventional observational studies have identified several potential therapeutic agents that may lower the risk of colorectal cancer development. However, these studies are susceptible to unmeasured and residual confounding and reverse causation, undermining robust causal inference.

Methods

We used Mendelian randomization, a genetic epidemiologic method that can strengthen causal inference, to evaluate the effect of previously reported therapeutic agents on colorectal cancer risk, including medications, dietary micronutrients, and exogenous hormones. Genetic instruments were constructed using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of molecular traits (e.g., circulating levels of protein drug targets, blood-based biomarkers of micronutrients, and circulating levels

SUBMITTER: Fryer E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7618373 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature