Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.4, 194-209 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 194 Research Insight Open Access Clinical Validation of Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Colon Cancer Diagnosis Yu Li, Shaoqing Wang, Xingjiang Li Department of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, Heilongjiang, China Corresponding author: baijie0831@163.com Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2024, Vol.12, No.4 doi: 10.5376/cge.2024.12.0021 Received: 25 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 30 Jul., 2024 Published: 11 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li Y., Wang S.Q., and Li X.J., 2024, Clinical validation of non-invasive biomarkers in colon cancer diagnosis, Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 12(4): 194-209 (doi: 10.5376/cge.2024.12.0021) Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon cancer, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection of CRC is crucial as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as colonoscopy, although effective, are invasive, costly, and often uncomfortable for patients. Therefore, there is a growing need for non-invasive diagnostic methods that are both sensitive and specific. These methods include measuring biomarkers in easily accessible body fluids like blood, stool, and urine. These biomarkers, such as DNA, RNA (including microRNAs), protei ns, and metabolites, can be detected through simple tests and have shown potential in CRC screening, early diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Non-invasive biomarkers improve patient compliance, reduce costs, and enable personalized medicine. Additionally, they provide insights into the specific molecular characteristics of a tumor, allowing for tailored therapeutic strategies. Keywords Colorectal cancer; Non-invasive biomarkers; Early detection; MicroRNAs; Personalized medicine 1 Introduction Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC), is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection of CRC is crucial as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as colonoscopy, although effective, are invasive, costly, and often uncomfortable for patients. Therefore, there is a growing need for non-invasive diagnostic methods that are both sensitive and specific. Non-invasive biomarkers have emerged as a promising alternative, offering a less intrusive means to detect CRC early and monitor its progression. Non-invasive biomarkers are measurable biological indicators found in easily accessible body fluids like blood, stool, and urine. They provide valuable information about the presence or progression of diseases without the need for invasive procedures. In the context of CRC, non-invasive biomarkers include various molecules such as DNA, RNA (including microRNAs), proteins, and metabolites. These biomarkers can be detected through simple tests and have shown potential in screening, early diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of CRC. The significance of non-invasive biomarkers in CRC diagnosis lies in their ability to improve patient compliance, enhance early detection, reduce costs, and enable personalized medicine. Non-invasive tests are generally more acceptable to patients, leading to higher participation rates in screening programs. Early detection of CRC through these biomarkers can lead to timely intervention, reducing mortality rates and improving the quality of life for patients. Additionally, non-invasive methods can be more cost-effective compared to invasive procedures, reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems. Biomarkers can also provide insights into the specific molecular characteristics of a tumor, allowing for tailored therapeutic strategies. Recent research has highlighted several promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC. For instance, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting early-stage CRC (Vychytilová-Faltejsková et al., 2016). Additionally, fecal bacteria markers such as Gemella morbillorum and Parvimonas micra have been identified as potential diagnostic tools (Yao et al., 2021). This study summarizes the current research status on non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis, evaluating their clinical applicability in early detection, prognosis, and monitoring of CRC. It identifies the most promising non-invasive biomarkers and discusses their potential integration into clinical practice.
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