Early Onset Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Underpinnings Accelerating Occurrence

Atehkeng Zinkeng, F. Lloyd Taylor, Samuel H. Cheong, Heyu Song, Juanita L. Merchant

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The onset of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients younger than 50 continues to rapidly increase. This study highlights the epidemiologic changes, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and molecular profiles prevalent in early onset CRC patients, and identifies key areas for future research. It has been noted that only a small fraction of early onset CRC cases is attributed to known hereditary mutations and fit the canonical pathway of late-onset colorectal cancer development. To highlight this, we review the genetic and epigenetic modifications specific to early onset CRC. We also discuss the synergetic effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and environmental factors on the early onset of CRC. Additionally, we discuss the potential of noninvasive biomarker assays to enhance early detection, screening, diagnosis, and prognostic outcome predictions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number101425
JournalCMGH
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • DNA Mutation
  • Epigenetics
  • Insulin Signaling
  • Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young
  • Microbiome
  • Nonhereditary
  • PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
  • Screening Tools
  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Wnt/B-Catenin Signaling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

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