Medicina Molecular e Genética

Recent Advances in the Use of Molecular Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Yasar Ahmed

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women, accounting for an estimated 1.4 million new cases and almost 700,000 deaths in 2012. Global incidences vary 10-fold, with the highest rates occurring in developed countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United States of America [USA]) and the lowest rates occurring in Africa and South-Central Asia. Within Europe in 2008, the highest incidence of colorectal cancer was in Hungary and Denmark. The lowest incidence was in Cyprus and Greece. In Ireland an annual average of 1445 colon cancer and 606 rectal cancers was registered between 2005 and 2009. Approximately 21% of patients with CRC have metastases at diagnosis, and nearly 50% have cancers that will eventually metastasize, accounting for the high mortality rate. Patients with early stage CRC often have no symptoms, which reinforces the importance of screening. This activity briefly describes the rationale for using molecular markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.