The evolution and prospects of the gene expression profiling in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal disease and the third most common disease worldwide. The traditional staging system cannot accurately predict the outcome of the disease as CRC is highly heterogeneous at clonal and sub-clonal levels. The molecular studies offer a new avenue for providing treatment and predicting the outcome of CRC. Several studies have been carried out to validate small to large signature genes that can predict the prognosis of CRC. The most commonly mutated genes in CRC include adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), TP53, KRAS and PIK3CA. The new challenge is translating the research outcome to clinical utility in patients of CRC. The coloprint, OncotypeDX, OncoDefender, ColoGuide Ex and ColoGuidePro are some of the proposed gene signatures available in CRC. In this study, we have reviewed the evolution and future prospects of proposed gene signature research published in PubMed indexed journals. The current article will provide an overview of the current developments in CRC.