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Journal article

Molecular pathology of colorectal cancer.

  • Bosman FT University Institute of Pathology, Lausanne, Switzerland. fred.bosman@chuv.hospvd.ch
  • 1999-11-05
Published in:
  • Cytogenetics and cell genetics. - 1999
Adenoma
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli
Carcinoma
Colon
Colorectal Neoplasms
Genetic Testing
Humans
Intestinal Mucosa
Prognosis
English The identification of several types of familial colorectal cancer has led to the discovery of some of the genes involved in these diseases. It was subsequently shown that somatic mutations of these genes (APC, mismatch repair genes, TP53, KRAS, and DCC) also occur in sporadic colorectal cancer. Gradually, this molecular information is being incorporated into the standard histopathological analysis of colorectal cancer and can be used for the characterization of primary tumors. Although attempts have been made to use molecular parameters to better define dysplasia grades, differentiate between adenoma and carcinoma, and subtype carcinomas, histological parameters remain the standard for the classification of primary tumors. Nonetheless, molecular parameters may help define subgroups of colorectal carcinoma differing in prognosis and requiring individualized treatment regimens. Interesting possibilities are predicting the response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy at a molecular level and the search for metastasis by looking for molecular markers in lymph nodes or circulating blood. Other pathological tests being developed include the detection of KRAS, TP53, or APC mutations in stool and plasma. Such approaches will have a significant impact on the clinical management of colorectal cancer.
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  • English
Open access status
green
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Persistent URL
https://sonar.ch/global/documents/179959
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