Journal Article

From Crypts to Cancer: A Holistic Perspective on Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies

Robichaud, Gilles A., Gharib, Ehsan

2024

Overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health burden, with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Recent progress in research highlights the distinct clinical and molecular characteristics of colon versus rectal cancers, underscoring tumor location’s importance in treatment approaches. This article provides a comprehensive review of our current understanding of CRC epidemiology, risk factors, molecular pathogenesis, and management strategies. We also present the intricate cellular architecture of colonic crypts and their roles in intestinal homeostasis. Colorectal carcinogenesis multistep processes are also described, covering the conventional adenoma–carcinoma sequence, alternative serrated pathways, and the influential Vogelstein model, which proposes sequential APC, KRAS, and TP53 alterations as drivers. The consensus molecular CRC subtypes (CMS1-CMS4) are examined, shedding light on disease heterogeneity and personalized therapy implications.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Animals / Cancer therapies / Carcinogenesis - genetics / Chemotherapy / Clinical outcomes / Colorectal cancer / Colorectal Neoplasms - etiology / Colorectal Neoplasms - genetics / Colorectal Neoplasms - metabolism / Colorectal Neoplasms - pathology / Colorectal Neoplasms - therapy / Epigenetics / Humans / Immunotherapy / Industrialized nations / Large intestine / Metastasis / Mortality / Mutation / Pathogenesis / Physiology / Radiation therapy / Rectum / Risk Factors / Stem cells / Surgery / Surgical outcomes / Tumors