Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
08:12
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
Systematic Review of Monocyte Transcriptomic Profiles as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Alicia Podadera-Herreros1,2, Jesús Pilo1,2, Alejandro Rego-Calvo1,2
1Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010 Malaga, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Circulating immune cell transcriptomic profiling shows promise for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) and identifying immune changes. However, its ability to predict patient outcomes requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge.
- Existing blood biomarkers for CRC lack optimal sensitivity and specificity, especially for early detection.
- Circulating immune-cell transcriptomic profiling offers a minimally invasive diagnostic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the diagnostic and prognostic potential of circulating monocyte-related transcriptomic profiles in CRC.
- To assess the utility of these profiles in distinguishing CRC patients from healthy individuals.
- To evaluate associations with disease stage, metastatic features, and immune alterations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PROSPERO (CRD42024604757) and PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Inclusion of six studies from 295 identified records.
- Analysis of circulating monocyte transcriptomic signatures and epitranscriptomic modifications (m6A, m5C).
Main Results:
- Consistent evidence supports the diagnostic value of transcriptomic profiles in identifying CRC and reflecting immune alterations.
- Monocyte signatures, including CXCR2+ monocytes, correlate with disease stage and metastasis.
- Epitranscriptomic modifications enhance diagnostic relevance, with some outperforming classical biomarkers.
- Prognostic value evidence is limited and heterogeneous due to methodological variability and small sample sizes.
Conclusions:
- Circulating immune-cell transcriptomic profiles are promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC detection and characterization.
- The prognostic utility of these profiles in CRC remains unclear and requires further research.
- Methodological standardization and cell-type-resolved studies are crucial for clinical applicability.
