Clinical, epidemiological and genetic features of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Introduction. The incidence of colorectal cancer for 2020 was 1931590 cases, which is 10 % of all new cases of incidence, and mortality from colorectal cancer ranks 2nd among cancer deaths, it is 935 173 cases (9.4 %) according to Globocan 2020. According to statistics of the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology for 2019–2020 сolorectal cancer ranks 3rd in the structure of oncopathology, both in terms of morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of colorectal cancer is associated with an interaction that occurs at several levels between hereditary, environmental and individual factors. Understanding the molecular basis is important because it can identify factors that initiate development, maintain progression, and determine response or resistance to anticancer agents.Aim. To describe the main genetic mutations and their impact on treatment prognosis, diagnosis and course of colorectal cancer.Materials and methods. A systematic literature review of scientific databases Cochrane, PubMEd, MedLine, Elsevier was carried out. For the main search, the main search terms are formulated: colorectal cancer, mutations in colorectal cancer, molecular genetic studies in colorectal cancer, mutation of the KRAS gene. Also, a time range was set no later than 5 years, i. e. all articles published from 2017 to the current year.Results. The main molecular changes in colorectal cancer are Chromosome instability, microsatellite instability, and abnormal DNA methylation. Suppressor genes, such as Ras, EGFR (Erb-B1), Erb-B2, TGF-alpha, and TGF-beta 1, are also of great importance.Conclusion. Research that contributes to the understanding of the molecular basis of colorectal cancer helps in the early diagnosis of familial cancer, treatment prognosis and a personalized approach to patient treatment.