Ibero-American Consensus Review and Incorporation of New Biomarkers for Clinical Practice in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary The management of colorectal cancer has improved significantly due to advances in molecular techniques. Thanks to these techniques, it has been possible to identify markers in these tumors, which allows for the use of specific treatments. However, research on this subject is evolving so rapidly that previous information is quickly rendered obsolete. In addition, these techniques offer a large amount of information, which makes them difficult to interpret. The aim of this article is to describe how these markers are determined from a practical point of view.Abstract Advances in genomic technologies have significantly improved the management of colorectal cancer (CRC). Several biomarkers have been identified in CRC that enable personalization in the use of biologic agents that have shown to enhance the clinical outcomes of patients. However, technologies used for their determination generate massive amounts of information that can be difficult for the clinician to interpret and use adequately. Through several discussion meetings, a group of oncology experts from Spain and several Latin American countries reviewed the latest literature to provide practical recommendations on the determination of biomarkers in CRC based on their clinical experience. The article also describes the importance of looking for additional prognostic biomarkers and the use of histopathology to establish an adequate molecular classification. Present and future of immunotherapy biomarkers in CRC patients are also discussed, together with several techniques for marker determination, including liquid biopsy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and fecal immunohistochemical tests. Finally, the role of Molecular Tumor Boards in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC is described. All of this information will allow us to highlight the importance of biomarker determination in CRC.

Automated summary

Advances in molecular techniques have significantly improved the management of colorectal cancer. These techniques allow for the identification of markers in tumors and the use of specific treatments. However, the rapidly evolving research in this field renders previous information quickly obsolete. In addition, the large amount of information generated by these techniques poses challenges in interpretation.