Deciphering Colorectal Cancer Development: From Genomic and Metabolic Perspectives to Innovative Diagnostic Approaches and Nanotechnology-Based Management Strategies

Aim. To explore the various aspects of colorectal cancer with its correlation with human lifestyles and the inherited genetic makeup and its related metabolism. To understand the various diagnostic patterns, and to explore the nanotechnology-based combined diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Key points. Colorectal cancer grades as the third most frequently identified malignancy, alongside being the chief cause of cancer related fatalities globally. The modification of normal colonic mucosal lining into a malignant one, as an outcome of collection of many genetic and epigenetic modifications contributes to the colorectal carcinogenesis. However, lifestyle changes have a significant role to play in this. An accumulation of metabolic disorders, the metabolic syndrome, which induces the dysregulation of prime biomolecules are one of the significant factors that induce carcinogenic effects in the normal colonocytes leading to the colorectal carcinogenesis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, also termed as the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome, is a prime threat for the incidence of colorectal cancer. It induces the malignancy by encouraging secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. As the number of mechanisms leading to colorectal cancer are rising, novel diagnostic tools for the early screening of the cancer are being introduced, and better techniques are still under research. Many studies have indicated the decrease in occurrence and fatalities linked to this disease, which can be attributed to the well-developed screening techniques in cancer management. Nanotechnology, under the area of colorectal cancer management, has improved the screening and delivery of drugs for cancer treatment procedures attributing to its excellent bioimaging and drug encapsulation properties. Conclusion. This article will review the various genomic and lifestyle interventions affecting the progression of colorectal carcinogenesis. Additionally, we will review the novel and future theranostic techniques available for the management of colorectal cancer.