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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2013; 19(45): 8163-8167
Published online Dec 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i45.8163
Published online Dec 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i45.8163
Molecular classification of colorectal carcinomas: The genotype-to-phenotype relation
Elke Kaemmerer, Christina Klaus, Min Kyung Jeon, Nikolaus Gassler, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Author contributions: Kaemmerer E and Gassler N designed and wrote the article; Klaus C and Jeon MK critical reviewed the literature and made technical notes.
Correspondence to: Dr. Nikolaus Gassler, Professor, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. ngassler@ukaachen.de
Telephone: +49-241-8088897 Fax: +49-241-8082439
Received: June 14, 2013
Revised: August 14, 2013
Accepted: September 16, 2013
Published online: December 7, 2013
Processing time: 186 Days and 11.5 Hours
Revised: August 14, 2013
Accepted: September 16, 2013
Published online: December 7, 2013
Processing time: 186 Days and 11.5 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) are frequently found in industrialized countries. At present only a minority of CRCs are characterized by a strong genotype-to-phenotype relation. This is due to several additional factors determining phenotype expression. In conclusion, molecular characterization (genotype) is essential to interpret the histological findings (phenotype) and to identify prognostic groups as well as patients for targeted therapy.