Use of Omics Technologies for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers

Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide. Early detection of CRC is crucial, as it greatly improves the survival of patients. Currently, the CRC screening programs consist of a stool test to detect the presence of blood in stool and a subsequent colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. However, CRC screening can be further improved with the use of new biomarkers. Omics technologies, that is, techniques that generate a vast amount of data, can help to establish these markers. Here, we discuss the use of omics with different types of samples (breath, urine, stool, blood, bowel lavage fluid, and tissue) and highlight some of the most relevant biomarkers that have been recently detected. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers with high mortality rates, especially when detected at later stages. Early detection of CRC can substantially raise the 5-year survival rate of patients, and different efforts are being put into developing enhanced CRC screening programs. Currently, the faecal immunochemical test with a follow-up colonoscopy is being implemented for CRC screening. However, there is still a medical need to describe biomarkers that help with CRC detection and monitor CRC patients. The use of omics techniques holds promise to detect new biomarkers for CRC. In this review, we discuss the use of omics in different types of samples, including breath, urine, stool, blood, bowel lavage fluid, or tumour tissue, and highlight some of the biomarkers that have been recently described with omics data. Finally, we also review the use of extracellular vesicles as an improved and promising instrument for biomarker detection.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly diagnosed cancer with significant mortality rates, and early detection is crucial for improving patient survival. Current CRC screening programs involve stool tests and colonoscopies, but the use of new biomarkers could enhance screening effectiveness. Omics technologies offer promise in detecting novel biomarkers for CRC across different sample types.