A Narrative Review on the Current Application Biomarkers in the Management of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Currently a wide range of biomarkers and potential biomarkers exist across a variety of fields for the management of colorectal cancer. These can be a specific molecule or a radiographical finding and can predict outcome or response to treatment. The field is being developed along several fronts with many new innovations happening in the last few years however few have made it into routine clinical practice with others requiring validation.The evolving markers of significance are; MicroRNA, epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition, imaging and metabolic with several sub-divisions depending on the pathway effected. This review will provide a narrative appraisal of our current understanding and clinical application of these biomarkers.