Molecular testing panel in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Mainly driven by the clinical need, molecular genetic testing has been integrated into the standard patient care of cancer management including colorectal cancer (CRC) for various clinical purposes. A proper selection of anti-cancer therapies relies on information achieved by molecular genetic analysis. Also, molecular findings are often necessary or helpful in screening, diagnosis and prognosis of CRC and related diseases/syndromes. New molecular classification may profoundly alter the current understanding and clinical management of CRC. As a powerful sequencing tool, next generation sequencing has become the main platform of conducting cancer related molecular diagnostic tests. In this review, molecular biomarkers widely used in the current practice of CRC management are briefly discussed according to their clinical significance.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Molecular genetic testing
• Next generation sequencing
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy