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Colorectal Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 2338

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, Division of Oncology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Modena, Italy
Interests: colorectal cancer; gastric cancer; neuroendocrine tumors; hepatobiliary cancer; pancreatic cancer; precision medicine; clinical trials; translational research
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite an overall decrease in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and mortality in recent years, it the third and second most prevalent cancer in males and females, respectively. However, in recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis of CRC in young adults, with the definition of early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) applying to CRC diagnosed before the age of 50. We have recently witnessed unprecedented advances in the prognosis and treatment of CRC, especially in the setting of metastatic disease, where the availability of high-throughput technologies has enhanced our molecular understanding of this disease and precision medicine has emerged as a focal point in scientific inquiry. In this context, although the advent of molecularly targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of patients with metastatic disease, the mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to these drugs remain to be elucidated. This Special Issue aims to discuss major preclinical and clinical advances in the field and discuss future perspectives regarding the multidisciplinary management of CRC.

Dr. Fabio Gelsomino
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • colorectal cancer
  • immunotherapy
  • targeted therapy
  • biomarkers
  • multidisciplinary management
  • precision medicine

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

21 pages, 695 KB  
Review
Bacteriophages, Antibiotics and Probiotics: Exploring the Microbial Battlefield of Colorectal Cancer
by Cristian Constantin Volovat, Mihai Andrei Cosovanu, Madalina-Raluca Ostafe, Iolanda Georgiana Augustin, Constantin Volovat, Bogdan Georgescu and Simona Ruxandra Volovat
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167837 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 667
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a prevalent malignancy, is a significant global health concern. The intricate interplay of genetic mutations, inflammatory processes, and environmental factors underscores the complexity of CRC’s etiology. The human gut harbors a diverse microbial community that plays a key role in [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a prevalent malignancy, is a significant global health concern. The intricate interplay of genetic mutations, inflammatory processes, and environmental factors underscores the complexity of CRC’s etiology. The human gut harbors a diverse microbial community that plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis and influencing various aspects of host physiology. Perturbations in the gut microbiome (GM) composition and function have been implicated in CRC carcinogenesis. This bidirectional relationship involves microbial contributions to inflammation, DNA damage, and immune modulation, shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, contribute to the microbiome’s diversity and function by influencing bacterial abundance and composition. These phages can impact host–microbiome interactions, potentially influencing CRC risk. Furthermore, they can be manipulated to transport targeted medication, without being metabolized. Antibiotics exert selective pressures on the gut microbiome, leading to shifts in bacterial populations and potential dysbiosis. Probiotics can modulate the composition and activity of the GM and could be considered adjunctive therapy in the treatment of CRC. Understanding the intricate balance between bacteriophages, antibiotics–probiotics, and the GM is essential for comprehending CRC etiology and progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies)
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19 pages, 602 KB  
Review
New Frontiers of Biomarkers in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Potential and Critical Issues
by Bianca Medici, Stefania Benatti, Massimo Dominici and Fabio Gelsomino
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115268 - 30 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1404
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and requires the development of new biomarkers to improve patient management. Traditional markers, such as RAS mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI), have revolutionized therapeutic decisions, but emerging evidence underlines the importance [...] Read more.
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and requires the development of new biomarkers to improve patient management. Traditional markers, such as RAS mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI), have revolutionized therapeutic decisions, but emerging evidence underlines the importance of integrating multi-omics sciences for a deeper understanding of tumor biology and therapeutic resistance. Although these omics technologies hold great promise for the advancement of precision oncology, significant challenges remain. However, the integration of multi-omics data is opening the way to more accurate diagnostics, personalized therapies, and improved outcomes for mCRC patients. This review provides an in-depth description of the various omics sciences and explores their advantages and critical issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies)
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