Genetic determinants in the study of colorectal cancer

A critical reappraisal of the role and clinical burden of the many genetic abnormalities detected in CRC is needed. Despite the tremendous advancement in the comprehension of the molecular and genetic pathways leading to tumors of the large bowel, such progress has not yet been translated into a better management of patients with cancer. It is hoped that the reluctance to transfer novel knowledge to the routine clinical setting may be overcome by the results of well-designed prospective clinical trials. A direct comparison may be performed between the patient treatments selected on the basis of conventional criteria versus treatment selection suggested by tumor genotype.