Abstract:
Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the type of cancer with the highest incidence rate at present.
Despite the fact that CRC is histologically homogeneous, each tumor has a unique molecular profile, which
is characterized by different genetic and epigenetic changes.
Aim of study. Assessing the significance and informativeness of biomarkers in early detection of CRC in
the current literature.
Methods and materials. PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Google Scholar databases for assessing the
role of predictive biomarkers of CRC, keywords used „biomarkers”, „colorectal cancer”, „screening”.
Results. The analysis of the databases selected 82 articles: 25 – dedicated to chromosomal instability and
its involvement in colorectal carcinogenesis, 17 – on microsatellite instability and frequency of genomic
mutations, 13 – on molecular repair systems, 27 – on polymerase gene mutations. Thus, several molecular
genomic biomarkers have been identified, which are currently used for the diagnosis, prognosis and
establishment of CRC treatment. The informativeness of many genes that are characterized by high
frequency of mutations has been demonstrated (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, APC, TP53, SMAD2,
SOX9), changes in DNA methylation (MLH1), affected expression at the level of mRNA or proteins and
translocations (NAV2/TCF7L1), which contributes to the early confirmation of CRC and the early initiation
of treatment for these neoplasms.
Conclusion. This review highlights the effectiveness of biomarkers and the importance of individual
approaches in the curative management of patients with this type of neoplasia, with a direct impact on
morbidity and mortality.
