Colorectal cancer: highlight the clinical research current progress

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, necessitating the exploration of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies alongside conventional approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy which exhibit inherent limitations. This review systematically examines recent advancements in CRC research, particularly focusing on early diagnostic methodologies, novel surgical techniques, advancements in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as the burgeoning fields of immunotherapy and targeted therapies. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted to collate key clinical studies published over the last three years in order to assess the current landscape of CRC management. The results emphasize the paramount importance of early diagnosis and innovative surgical strategies while highlighting significant progress in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with immunotherapy and targeted treatments emerging as promising avenues. Notably, the increasing incidence of aggressive early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) reinforces the urgent need for effective screening and prevention frameworks, supplemented by interdisciplinary treatment teams that are crucial for optimal patient management. Enhanced pathological diagnosis is vital for informing adjuvant chemotherapy decisions, and ongoing advancements in surgical methods and systemic therapies are contributing to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the potential of personalized cancer therapy through targeted approaches presents an exciting frontier, though further investigation is essential to better delineate candidate identification for immunotherapy. Targeted sequencing panels could play a pivotal role in optimizing patient selection for these emerging therapies, thereby augmenting CRC treatment strategies in the future.