Utilization of molecular genetic approaches for colorectal cancer screening

Abstract

The feasibility of population screening for colorectal cancer has been demonstrated in several studies. Most of these studies have considered individual characteristics, diagnostic approaches, epidemiological data, and socioeconomic factors. In this article, we comment on an editorial by Metaxas et al published in the recent issue of the journal. The authors emphasized the need to raise public awareness through health education programs and the possibility of using easily accessible non-invasive screening methods. Here, we focus on non-invasive molecular genetic approaches that can aid in colorectal cancer screening. On the one hand, we highlighted the use of tumor DNA/RNA markers directly for screening and, on the other hand, underline the use of polygenic risk assessment and hereditary predisposition to select individuals for more thorough cancer screening.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Cancer screening; Non-invasive screening; Liquid biopsy; Polygenic risk score

Core Tip: Despite the significant benefits of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, current approaches need improvement. Here, we focus on molecular genetic techniques that may be useful in CRC screening. Their improvement and implementation are promising, on the one hand, due to their non-invasive nature, which enhances patient adherence to screening, and on the other hand, due to the personalization of screening programs based on an assessment of the individual risk of developing CRC.