Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in the incidences of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. CRC is rather heterogeneous with regard to molecular genetic characteristics and pathogenic pathways. A wide spectrum of biomarkers is used for molecular subtype determination, prognosis, and estimation of sensitivity to different drugs in practice. These biomarkers can include germline and somatic mutations, chromosomal aberrations, genomic abnormalities, gene expression alterations at mRNA or protein level and changes in DNA methylation status. In the present review we discuss the most important and well-studied CRC biomarkers, and their potential clinical significance and current approaches to molecular classification of colorectal tumors.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world [1]
Several molecular genetic markers, which are currently used for CRC diagnosis, prognosis and treatment assignment, have been identified
Numerous molecular genetic studies of CRC have revealed many genes that are characterized by high frequency of mutations (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, APC, TP53, SMAD2, SMAD4, ARID1A, SOX9, FAM123B/WTX, and FBXW7), copy number alterations (ERBB2 and IGF2), methylation status changes (MLH1), impaired expression at the mRNA or protein level, and translocations (NAV2/ TCF7L1) [2, 3]
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world [1]. Despite the fact that CRC is histologically homogeneous, each tumor has a unique molecular profile, which is characterized by various genetic and epigenetic changes. UM tumors are characterized by an increased frequency of mutations in APC and KRAS genes and a reduced frequency of www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget activating mutation BRAF V600E [63].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
