Navigating the Colorectal Cancer Maze: Unveiling Pathways To Diagnosis, Management, Pathophysiology and Prevention

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Develops over years from benign polyps to malignant disease through accumulating genetic alterations, whether spontaneous or inherited. This review consolidates current evidence on epidemiology, lifestyle and genetic risk factors, diagnostic approaches, TNM-guided treatment strategies, prevention and screening methods, and emerging research directions, highlighting knowledge gaps to support future studies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Current Oncology Reports (2025) 27:1115–1130 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s1](https://doi.org/10.1007/s1) 1912-025-01707-w REVIEW Navigating the Colorectal Cancer Maze: Unveiling Pathways To Diagnosis, Management, Pathophysiology and Prevention Khalid Ali Mohammed Al Kamzari1 · Constantina Constantinou1 Accepted: 8 July 2025 / Published online: 9 August 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract Purpose of Review Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancerrelated mortality. It typically develops over years through the progression of benign polyps to malignancy, driven by genetic alterations—either spontaneous or inherited. This review summarizes current knowledge on colorectal cancer, including its epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, preventative measures, and research developments, while identifying knowledge gaps to guide future studies. Recent Findings Colorectal cancer is influenced by numerous lifestyle-related risk factors, such as high-calorie diets, processed foods, red meat, smoking, obesity, and alcohol use. Colonoscopy, imaging tests, and biopsies remain essential for diagnosis, while the TNM staging system continues to guide therapeutic decisions. Treatment options range from early-stage surgical interventions to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies in advanced stages, with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments offering improved outcomes. Experimental therapies, including regorafenib and cancer vaccines, are under investigation. Prevention strategies focus on healthy lifestyles and risk avoidance, alongside screening techniques including fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy. Screening programs emphasize individuals with genetic susceptibility, and clinical trials aim to enhance both screening and therapeutic approaches. Summary Colorectal cancer poses a substantial global health challenge. Advances in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention are promising, but further research is needed to improve management strategies and address gaps in screening. Lifestyle changes and early detection through targeted screening remain critical for reducing the disease burden worldwide. Keywords Colorectal cancer · Epidemiology · Pathophysiology · Management · Vaccine-based immunotherapy Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both women and men in the US [1] . The risk factors associated with CRC include nonmodifiable risk factors such as age, with individuals aged 50 and older facing increased risk, as well as genetic predispositions. Additionally, modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to the development of CRC and include unhealthy diets, smoking, physical inactivity, excessive 􀀍 Constantina Constantinou [constantinou.co@unic.ac.cy](constantinou.co@unic.ac.cy) 1 Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, P.O. Box 24005, Engomi, Nicosia 2414, CY-1700, Cyprus alcohol consumption and obesity [2] . Recent evidence indicates that an imbalance in gut microbiota could also play a role in the carcinogenesis ofCRC [3, 4] . CRC develops through the sequential transformation of healthy mucosa into an invasive tumor. This stepwise progression underscores the significance of timely interventions, particularly through screening programs, which facilitate the identification of tumors in their early stages when they are more likely to be treatable [5]. However, most cases are discovered at advanced stages, leading to delayed treatments and resulting in poor prognosis [6] . Diagnosis of CRC involves a combination of physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques. Ultrasound and CT scans are used to detect abdominal masses. Endoscopic methods, such as colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy, allow for the direct visual

FAQs

What are the key stages in colorectal cancer development described in the review?

Colorectal cancer typically evolves over years from benign polyps into malignancy through stepwise transformation of healthy mucosa and accumulating genetic alterations.

Which diagnostic tools are emphasized for colorectal cancer?

Diagnosis relies on a combination of physical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging, and endoscopic methods such as colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy, including biopsy collection for histopathology.

How does the review describe treatment and prevention strategies across stages?

Early-stage disease is primarily treated with surgery, while advanced stages often use chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted approaches; prevention focuses on healthy lifestyles and risk avoidance alongside screening techniques such as fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr