Advances in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer: the application of molecular biomarkers and imaging techniques: a literature review.

BACKGROUND

Following neoplasms of the lung and breast, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignancy globally. Screening for CRC at the age of 50 years is strongly encouraged for prompt earlier diagnosis owing to prognoses being greatly correlated with time of detection and cancer staging.

AIM

This review aimed to elucidate the most recent advancements in the detection of CRC, with an emphasis on the latest innovations in diagnostic molecular biomarkers in conjunction with radiological imaging alongside stool-based tests for CRC screening.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed, focusing on specific terms in different electronic databases, including that of PubMed/MEDLINE. Keywords pertaining to "colorectal cancer," "diagnosis," "screening," "imaging," and "biomarkers," among others, were employed in the search strategy. Articles screened and evaluated were deemed relevant to the study aim and were presented in the medium of the English language.

RESULTS

There have been several innovations in the diagnostics and identification of CRC. These generally comprise molecular biomarkers, currently being studied for suitability in disease detection. Examples of these include genetic, epigenetic, and protein biomarkers. Concurrently, recent developments in CRC diagnostics highlight the advancements made in radiological imaging that offer precise insights on tumor biology in addition to morphological information. Combining these with statistical methodologies will increase the sensitivity and specificity of CRC diagnostics. However, putting these strategies into reality is hampered by several issues.

CONCLUSION

Progress in diagnostic technology alongside the identification of a few prognostic predictive molecular biomarkers suggested great promise for prompt detection and management of CRC. This clearly necessitates further efforts to learn more in this specific sector.