Current Options for the Diagnosis, Staging and Therapeutic Management of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the one of the most common malignancies and is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The incidence of mortality from CRC has decreased in Western countries because of earlier diagnosis and improved treatment modalities; however, mortality is still increasing in most other regions of the world.

Summary: Progress in the development of imaging modalities has enabled more accurate staging based on the TNM classification. The therapeutic management of CRC should involve a multi-modal approach, including high-quality surgery and an optimal choice of chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens according to disease characteristics and patient preferences. Even in the case of metastatic disease, the optimal multi-modal treatments could achieve potential cure or long-term survival benefit in some patients. The aim of this review is to present current options regarding the diagnosis, staging and treatment management for CRC based on published research reports and the current management guidelines.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Imaging modality; Therapeutic management.