Genetic and biological hallmarks of colorectal cancer

adult cancer in women and the third most common in men, and it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, accounting for 9.2% of deaths worldwide (Bray et al. 2018; Dekker et al. 2019). The 5-yr and 10-yr survival rates are 65% and 58%, respectively (Siegel et al. 2017), and incidence and mortality rates are 25% higher in men than in women (Dekker et al. 2019). CRC incidence and mortality rates also vary by race and ethnicity, being highest in non-Hispanic blacks and lowest in Asian Americans/ Pacific Islanders (Siegel et al. 2017). In recent years, the overall incidence of CRC, particularly rectal and distal colon cancers, has declined in individuals older than 50 yr Colorectal cancer has served as a genetic and biological paradigm for the evolution of solid tumors, and these insights have illuminated early detection, risk stratification, prevention, and treatment principles. Employing the hallmarks of cancer framework, we provide a conceptual framework to understand how genetic alterations in colorectal cancer drive cancer cell biology properties and shape the heterotypic interactions across cells in the tumor microenvironment. This review details research advances pertaining to the genetics and biology of colorectal cancer, emerging concepts gleaned from immune and single-cell profiling, and critical advances and remaining knowledge gaps influencing the development of effective therapies for this cancer that remains a major public health burden.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer in women, the fourth most common in men, and the fourth leading cause of cancer death globally. Incidence and mortality rates vary by race and ethnicity, with non-Hispanic blacks having the highest rates. In recent years, there has been a decline in the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals over 50 years old.