Molecular Pathways, Targeted Therapies, and Proteomic Investigations of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

According to the GLOBOCAN 2020 data, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. The risk factors for colorectal cancer include a diet abundant with fat, refined carbohydrates, animal protein, low fiber content, alcoholism, obesity, long-term cigarette smoking, low physical inactivity, and aging. Colorectal carcinomas are classified as adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine, squamous cell, adenosquamous, spindle cell, and undifferentiated carcinomas. In addition, many variants of colorectal carcinomas are recently distinguished based on histological, immunological, and molecular characteristics. Recently developed targeted molecules in conjunction with standard chemotherapeutics or immune checkpoint inhibitors provide promising treatment protocols for colorectal cancer. However, the benefit of targeted therapies is strictly dependent on the mutational status of signaling molecules (e.g., KRAS) or mismatch repair systems. Here it is aimed to provide a comprehensive view of colorectal cancer types, molecular pathways-associated, recently developed targeted therapies as well as proteomic investigations applied to colorectal cancer for the discovery of novel biomarkers as well as new targets for treatment protocols.

Spatial Proteomic Profiling of Colorectal Cancer Revealed Its Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity

“…Inactivating or activating mutations in multiple oncogenes, suppressor genes, and mismatch repair genes contribute to transforming normal colonic mucosa into adenocarcinoma. − Cellular biological activities are usually performed by proteins. Proteomic analysis is crucial in assessing proteins and signaling pathways implicated in tumoral progression. − Therefore, proteomic technology has been successfully applied in the improvement of diagnostic accuracy, response to therapy, and prognosis prediction.…”