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Curriculum based clinical reviews
The molecular genetics of colorectal cancer
  1. Iain Ewing1,
  2. Joanna J Hurley2,
  3. Eleni Josephides3,
  4. Andrew Millar1
  1. 1Department of Gastroenterology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK
  2. 2Institute of Molecular Genetics, Cardiff University
  3. 3Department of Gastroenterology, Queen's Hospital Romford, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Iain Ewing, Department of Gastroenterology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London N18 1QX, UK; iainewing{at}doctors.org.uk

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a common but heterogeneous disease, which arises through the accumulation of genetic mutations. Knowledge of the molecular basis of colorectal cancer has advanced at a rapid pace in recent years, reflecting progress made in the field of genomic medicine. Targeted therapies have come into mainstream use, and the exciting prospect of treatment regimens tailored to the mutation profile of individual tumours is beginning to emerge. In order to understand the development and application of the next generation of colorectal cancer treatments, it is important that gastroenterologists have a working knowledge of the pathological mechanisms that drive the disease. This review examines our current understanding of the molecular genetics of colorectal carcinogenesis.

  • Colonic Neoplasms
  • Colonic Polyps
  • Colorectal Adenomas
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Colorectal Cancer Genes

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