Biological and clinical markers in colorectal cancer: state of the art

Front Biosci (Schol Ed). 2010 Jan 1;2(2):422-31. doi: 10.2741/s75.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the World's third most common cancer. Its prognosis is closely related to the disease stage at the time of diagnosis. Here we review the role of clinical biomarkers (tissue, serum, and faecal) in the management of CRC. Molecular studies have recently widened the opportunity for testing new possible markers, but actually, only few markers can be recommended for practical use in clinic. In the next future the hope is to have a complete panel of clinical biomarkers to use in every setting of CRC disease, and at the same time: 1) to receive information about prognostic significance by their expression and 2) to be oriented in the choice of the adequate treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / metabolism
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / urine
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / diagnosis

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules