Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Using Human Differentially Expressed Gene Lists to Perform Downstream Pathway Enrichment Analysis and Target Prioritization
03:08

Using Human Differentially Expressed Gene Lists to Perform Downstream Pathway Enrichment Analysis and Target Prioritization

Published on: October 3, 2025

16

The emergence of targetable pathways in colorectal cancer

Irene S Yu1, Scott Kopetz1

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology : H&O
|December 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Advanced colorectal cancer treatment is evolving with precision medicine. Biomarker-driven approaches and molecular profiling are key to tailoring therapies for better patient outcomes, especially with rising early-onset cancer rates.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, causing substantial morbidity and mortality.
  • While overall CRC incidence is decreasing, early-onset CRC presents a growing challenge.
  • Fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy has been the standard for metastatic CRC for two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review contemporary biomarker-driven strategies for first-line and subsequent-line therapies in advanced colorectal cancer.
  • To highlight key molecular alterations impacting treatment decisions.
  • To present supporting clinical trial data for biomarker-guided precision medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical trials and studies focusing on biomarkers in advanced colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular profiling data and their correlation with treatment response.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on precision medicine approaches in CRC therapy.

Main Results:

  • Molecular profiling is increasingly accessible and cost-effective, aiding in biomarker discovery.
  • Biomarkers are crucial for guiding treatment selection and improving outcomes in advanced CRC.
  • A shift towards personalized, biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies is evident.

Conclusions:

  • Precision medicine, guided by molecular biomarkers, is transforming advanced colorectal cancer treatment.
  • Understanding molecular alterations is essential for optimizing therapeutic strategies.
  • Biomarker-driven approaches offer improved prognostic and predictive insights for patient care.

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