[From traditional population-based approach to individualized precision medicine: the interpretation of update on ].

The eighth edition of cancer staging system published by AJCC will be implemented all over the world in January 1, 2018. In addition to strengthening the traditional TNM staging system, the introduction of new molecular markers, is a major advance in the eighth edition, and is expected to play a more valuable role in the"individualized" clinical practice. The most important update in the eighth edition of AJCC colorectal cancer staging system is"non-anatomic" prognostic and predictive evaluation system based on the molecular detection. The system is useful for better understanding the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, and guide clinicians to provide individualized treatment for the patients even in the same stage of colorectal cancer.