An understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of colorectal cancer by researchers and clinicians is essential to facilitate progress in improving patient outcomes in this common cancer that still carries a poor prognosis if not identified early. This book covers the major areas of importance in the field, incorporating new knowledge that has arisen due to the advancement of molecular techniques and the ability to correlate molecular changes with clinical behaviour of tumours. Each chapter is a summary written by experts, concisely summarising current data as well as highlighting potential areas for advancement. Appreciating the differences between tumours on a molecular level is the key to developing and delivering precision medicine, and nowhere is this more critically required than in the field of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer has for more than two decades served as the paradigm for the multi-step concept of cancer initiation and progression. Perhaps more than any other organ site, cancer of the colon is extensively characterized at the molecular level. We are now entering a time when molecular classification, rather than histologic classification, of cancer subtypes is driving the development of clinical trials with emerging targeted therapies. The book will focus on the progression from the identification of mutations that drive colorectal cancer initiation and progression to the search for novel therapies to treat the disease.

Genetic susceptibility refers to how variations in a person’s genes increase or decrease his or her susceptibility to environmental factors, such as chemicals, radiation and lifestyle (diet and smoking). This volume will explore the latest findings in the area of genetic susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on molecular epidemiology, DNA repair, and gene-environment interactions to identify factors that affect the incidence of GI cancers. Topics will include germline susceptibility, including Mendelian patterns of inheritance and gene-environment interactions that lead to cancer etiology.

This book highlights the importance of understanding gastric and colon cancer metabolism in guiding diagnosis and drug discovery. It summarizes the correlation between adiponectin and matrix metalloproteinase with colorectal cancer. The book also evaluates the divergent role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in colorectal cancer growth and metastasis. After discussing the role of genetic polymorphisms in alcohol metabolizing enzymes and EPHX1 with the onset of colorectal cancer, it reviews the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in gastric cancer and novel therapeutic strategies to reverse the chemoresistance of tumors. In addition, the book explores the theranostic role of nanoparticles and therapeutic potential of phytochemicals with regard to colorectal cancer. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for oncologists, academic researchers, pharmaceuticals practitioners, and students who are involved in research and treatment of cancer.

The Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine wanted to address the link between environmental factors and the development of cancer in light of recent advances in genomics. They asked what research tools are needed, how new scientific information can be applied in a timely manner to reduce the burden of cancer, and how this can be flexible enough to treat the individual.

This book reviews the potential of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in research on and management of colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading cause of death worldwide and one of the most biologically and clinically heterogeneous cancers. It critically discusses findings from recent large-scale studies, clinical trials and meta-analyses and offers an introduction to the management of CRC in the era of precision medicine. In CRC, dozens of driver and passenger mutations are associated with the malignant transformation of epithelial cells. Consequently, the book discusses recent advances in our understanding of the genetics of CRC as a biomarker, the advent of NGS technologies in modern genomics, and the impact of NGS technology on the management of CRC. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of NGS in the context of liquid biopsy and single-cell sequencing in CRC, as well as its role in shedding light on the link between gut microbiota, immune-checkpoint blockade and CRC. The book concludes with a chapter on the limitations and cost-effectiveness of NGS in CRC. Given its scope, the book will appeal to all those interested in learning about the potential of NGS in advancing CRC research and patient care.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health challenge as the third leading cause for cancer related mortalities worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, the five-year survival rate for CRC patients has remained the same over time due to the fact that patients are often diagnosed in advanced metastatic stages. Drug resistance is another common reason for poor prognosis. Researchers are now developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination nanotechnology for drug delivery. In addition, the identification of new biomarkers will potentiate early stage diagnosis. This book is the second of three volumes on recent developments in colorectal diagnosis and therapy. Each volume can be read on its own, or together. Each volume focuses on different novel therapeutic advances, biomarkers, and identifies therapeutic targets for treatment. Written by leading international experts in the field, coverage addresses the role of diet habits and lifestyle in reducing gastrointestinal disorders and incidence of CRC. Chapters discuss current and future diagnostic and therapeutic options for colorectal cancer patients, focusing on immunotherapeutics, nanomedicine, biomarkers, and dietary factors for the effective management of colon cancer.

The rapid rate of development in the fields of prevention, early detection and management for colorectal cancer means that the successful first edition of this accessible guide has needed to be updated and revised throughout. Primary care physicians and specialists alike will continue to find this an indispensable synopsis of the issues and options.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health challenge as the third leading cause for cancer related mortalities worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, the five-year survival rate for CRC patients has remained the same over time due to the fact that patients are often diagnosed in advanced metastatic stages. Drug resistance is another common reason for poor prognosis. Researchers are now developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination nanotechnology for drug delivery. In addition, the identification of new biomarkers will potentiate early stage diagnosis. This book is the first of three volumes on recent developments in colorectal diagnosis and therapy. Each volume can be read on its own, or together. Each volume focuses on different novel therapeutic advances, biomarkers, and identifies therapeutic targets for treatment. Written by leading international experts in the field, coverage also addresses the role of diet habits and lifestyle in reducing gastrointestinal disorders and incidence of CRC. Chapters discuss current and future diagnostic and therapeutic options for colorectal cancer patients, focusing on immunotherapeutic, nanomedicine, biomarkers, and dietary factors for the effective management of colon cancer.