Circular RNAs in colorectal cancer: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic applications (Review)

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, conserved non‑coding RNA molecules with key roles in gene regulation. Because of their tissue‑specific expression patterns and involvement in various cellular processes, circRNAs are relevant in cancer biology, specifically for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. The present review systematically examines the roles of circRNAs in CRC pathogenesis and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC, focusing on the key circRNAs involved in CRC development and progression, their molecular mechanisms and clinical value, as well as advances in circRNA‑based therapeutic strategies and challenges in the clinical translation of circRNA application.