Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, with increasing incidence rates among young adults and in Asian populations. Recent advancements in diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and precision medicine approaches have revolutionized CRC management.
Purpose: This review aims to summarize the latest developments in CRC diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, focusing on innovative technologies and personalized approaches.
Main body: Advanced imaging techniques, including high-definition colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and integrated PET-CT scans, have improved CRC detection and staging accuracy. Novel biomarkers, such as circulating tumor DNA, microRNAs, and exosomes, show promise for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Precision medicine strategies utilize molecular profiling to guide targeted therapies, including EGFR inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Anti-cancer metal ions, such as platinum, ruthenium, and gallium compounds, demonstrate efficacy through diverse mechanisms. Artificial intelligence applications in imaging analysis, pathology, and treatment planning enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalized care. Herbal and traditional medicines, including curcumin and green tea catechins, exhibit anti-tumor properties and potential synergistic effects with conventional therapies. Prevention strategies emphasize lifestyle modifications, screening programs, and risk-based personalized approaches. Emerging technologies, such as organoid engineering and nanomedicine, offer new avenues for drug discovery and targeted delivery.
Conclusion: The integration of advanced diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and personalized approaches has significantly improved CRC management. However, challenges remain in addressing tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and treatment accessibility. Future research should focus on validating emerging technologies and biomarkers in large-scale clinical trials to further enhance CRC prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes.