Diagnostic accuracy of the multi-target stool DNA test in detecting colorectal cancer: A hospital-based study

Epidemiology and early screening strategies for colorectal cancer in China

China ranks the first worldwide in the number of new colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and CRC-related deaths. The increasing incidence of early-onset CRC in recent years highlights the challenges related to CRC screening and prevention. High-quality colonoscopy is the universally used gold standard for CRC screening. Risk assessment combined with a two-step screening strategy based on colonoscopy and non-invasive examinations was proven to be highly effective. However, systematic use of well-established risk factors associated with CRC, beyond age, could better identify those who might harbor advanced colorectal neoplasia, improve the diagnostic yield of current screening modalities, and optimize the selection of individuals who might benefit most from preventive strategies. "Personalization" and "Standardization" are the future development directions of CRC screening, from the initiation of screening in those at high risk for CRC to follow-up after treatment, which are the key to ensure the screening efficiency.

Novel biomarkers used for early diagnosis and tyrosine kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and second most lethal type of cancer worldwide, presenting major health risks as well as economic costs to both people and society. CRC survival chances are significantly higher if the cancer is diagnosed and treated early. With the development of molecular biology, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to identify novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC. Pathological disorders can be diagnosed at a lower cost with the help of biomarkers, which can be detected in stool, blood, and tissue samples. Several lines of evidence suggest that the gut microbiota could be used as a biomarker for CRC screening and treatment. CRC treatment choices include surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and combination therapies. Targeted therapies are a relatively new and promising modality of treatment that has been shown to increase patients' overall survival (OS) rates and can inhibit cancer cell development. Several small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being investigated as potential treatments due to our increasing awareness of CRC's molecular causes and oncogenic signaling. These compounds may inhibit critical enzymes in controlling signaling pathways, which are crucial for CRC cells' development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. On the other hand, only one of the approximately 42 TKIs that demonstrated anti-tumor effects in pre-clinical studies has been licensed for clinical usage in CRC. A significant knowledge gap exists when bringing these tailored medicines into the clinic. As a result, the emphasis of this review is placed on recently discovered biomarkers for early diagnosis as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors as possible therapy options for CRC.