“Unravelling Colorectal Cancer: From Origin to Treatment”

Abstract

The colon and rectum are the primary organs affected by colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the primary cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Inflammation, particularly in disorders like inflammatory bowel diseases, increases the risk of colorectal cancer, with environmental factors playing a crucial role. The majority of adenocarcinomas typically develop from the epithelial cells that line the colon and rectum as a result of a complex series of genetic and epigenetic modifications. Benign precursor lesions such as adenomatous polyps trigger the slow progression of CRC over a period of ten years or longer. Its etiology is influenced by sporadic, familial, and hereditary forms; prominent hereditary syndromes include Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis. Chromosome instability and microsatellite instability are the two main tumorigenic pathways that underpin the pathophysiology of CRC, exhibiting regional differences in the global epidemiology. Approaches: TNM classification is the basis for diagnosis, and various treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, are employed during treatment. Surgical treatments, from minimally invasive procedures to colectomy, are essential and highlight the importance of total excision of the mesocolic region. The standard therapeutic approach consists of chemotherapy and targeted agents; however, newer like gene therapy and immunotherapy show promise. In order to improve outcomes and lessen the burden of the disease, combating CRC requires comprehensive strategies that include early detection, prevention, and innovative therapeutic interventions.