Molecular genetic classification of colorectal cancer subtypes: current state of the problem

Today, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and therefore an urgent problem of oncology. Despite all modern diagnostic capabilities, the rates of advanced cases are growing steadily. CRC was proven to be a result of a phased dysplastic change in the colon mucosa, molecular genetic changes that determine the molecular biology of the tumor, its properties, morphology, disease prognosis and response to therapy. The following mechanisms of CRC tumor progression are distinguished: chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability, "methylator" phenotype, and serrated pathway of adenocarcinoma development. Application of molecular and diagnostic methods has become a promising direction in recent years. This led to the development of a molecular genetic classifi cation with 4 CRC subtypes differing not only in their molecular genetic characteristics, but also in clinical course and response to therapy.