Advances in prognostic markers for colorectal cancer^*

* Lili Duan, Wanli Yang, and Xiaoqian Wang contributed equally to this work, and should be considered as the co-first authors.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and contributes significantly to cancer-related deaths. Since CRC is largely asymptomatic until alarm features develop to advanced stages, the incidence and mortality rate of CRC is relatively high and increases year by year.

Areas covered: This review mainly summarizes the recent advances of genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic molecular markers that may be used to predict the prognosis of CRC. Moreover, we made an introduction to immune biomarkers and emerging microbial biomarkers. We also discussed the recent movement of molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE) in the context of prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we discussed the pros and cons of various biomarkers for improving prognostic judgment.

Expert opinion: A great number of molecular targets have been identified as prognostic markers for CRC. However, because of some limitations, the efficiency of these biomarkers is restricted in clinical application. Combining a panel of several approaches may present a promising alternative tool for clinical practice. Further large-scale clinical trials are required to validate the prognostic value of these biomarkers in clinical use.

KEYWORDS:

• Molecular markers
• epigenetic
• genetic
• proteomic
• prognosis
• colorectal cancer

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported in part by grant from the Scientific Foundation of Shaanxi Province [grant number S2019-YF-ZDCXL-ZDLSF-0134], grant from the State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology [grant number CBSKL2014Z13] and grant from the National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases [grant number 2015BAI13B07]. It was not supported by any private or public company or organization.