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Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy
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Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy

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: closed (20 April 2025) | Viewed by 8713

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Mariusz Chabowski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, University of Science and Technology Wroclaw, 58-376 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: surgery; oncology; colorectal cancer; lung cancer; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer in Poland. Its incidence is still increasing. The development of colorectal cancer usually takes several years. There are many risk factors for CRC, which could be eliminated by changing one’s lifestyle. Early symptoms are rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, and abdominal pain. Faecal occult blood tests and colonoscopy once every 10 years reduces the incidence and mortality of CRC. Modern surgical techniques and new oncological drugs improve the quality of life and increase the survival rate. Proper preoperative arrangements reduce the risk of complications and improve surgical results. Patients with CRC are often at increased risk of anxiety and depression.

This Special Issue is open for submissions from any interested individuals. It is expected that contributions will include original research papers, authoritative and up-to-date reviews, and commentaries on the following topics and areas:

  • Novel drugs and surgical techniques for therapy of colorectal disease.
  • Molecular mechanisms for anti-colorectal cancer or cancer-preventive effects.
  • In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies related to colorectal cancer.
  • Usage of surgical methods in conjunction with cancer chemotherapeutic drugs.
  • Challenges and innovative approaches for anti-colorectal cancer drug development.
  • Novel strategies for colorectal cancer prevention and intervention.
  • Production of anti-colorectal cancer agents using biotechnology.
  • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomic studies on anti-colorectal cancer drugs.

Dr. Mariusz Chabowski
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2606 KiB  
Article
Expression of the RPSA-Containing and 67EBP Laminin Receptors in Relation to the Debatable Nature of the 67 kDa Laminin Receptor 67LR in Colorectal Cancer
by Gabriel Cloutier, Taoufik Khalfaoui, Julie C. Carrier and Jean-François Beaulieu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062564 - 12 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 619
Abstract
The role of laminin receptors in colorectal cancer (CRC) is the subject of ongoing research. Histopathological studies have suggested that the 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR) is involved in the carcinogenesis of various malignancies, including CRC. However, the exact composition and nature of [...] Read more.
The role of laminin receptors in colorectal cancer (CRC) is the subject of ongoing research. Histopathological studies have suggested that the 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR) is involved in the carcinogenesis of various malignancies, including CRC. However, the exact composition and nature of 67LR have been a source of confusion for many years. A recent study from our group reported that the 37 kDa form of RPSA participates as a laminin receptor renamed the RPSA-containing laminin receptor (RCLR) but is not the precursor form of the 67LR since the 67 kDa protein associated with 67LR corresponds to the 67 kDa elastin-binding protein (67EBP), which also acts as a laminin receptor. The present study aims to analyze the distinct expression patterns of these two laminin receptor components in CRC. Expressions of RCLR and 67EBP were analyzed in CRC tissues using Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. The primary colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and corresponding resection margins showed an overexpression of both RPSA and 67EBP at the protein level in the CRC tissues. An analysis of the publicly available CRC datasets confirmed the overexpression of RPSA and 67EBP in CRC tissues. In conclusion, the elevated expression of these two non-integrin laminin receptors in CRC lesions suggests their critical roles in colorectal carcinogenesis and emphasizes their potential usefulness as tissue biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy)
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16 pages, 6892 KiB  
Article
Reduced Expression of SATB2 in Colorectal Cancer and Its Association with Demographic and Clinicopathological Parameters
by Anna Ewa Kowalczyk, Agnieszka Śliwińska-Jewsiewicka, Bartłomiej Emil Kraziński, Aleksandra Piotrowska, Jędrzej Grzegrzółka, Janusz Godlewski, Piotr Dzięgiel and Zbigniew Kmieć
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052374 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2), as a nuclear matrix-associated protein and transcription factor engaged in chromatin remodeling and the regulation of gene expression, plays an important role in growth and development processes. SATB2 has been shown to have tissue-specific expression, also related [...] Read more.
Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2), as a nuclear matrix-associated protein and transcription factor engaged in chromatin remodeling and the regulation of gene expression, plays an important role in growth and development processes. SATB2 has been shown to have tissue-specific expression, also related to some cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to compare SATB2 gene expression in tumor and matched non-involved colorectal tissues obtained from CRC patients, and to investigate its association with clinicopathological and demographic parameters, as well as patients’ overall survival. SATB2 mRNA levels in the tested tissues were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while SATB2 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. We found that the average levels of both SATB2 mRNA and protein were significantly lower in tumor specimens than in matched non-involved colon tissues. Moreover, SATB2 immunoreactivity was associated with patients’ sex, tumor localization, and grade of differentiation. Lower immunoreactivity of SATB2 protein was noted in high-grade tumors, in women, and in tumors located in the cecum, ascending, and transverse colon. However, the results of the present study did not show an association between SATB2 expression levels and patients’ overall survival. Our findings indicate the involvement of impaired SATB2 expression, significantly reduced in high-grading tumors, in the pathogenesis of CRC, while its sex- and localization-specificity should be further elucidated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy)
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Review

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18 pages, 757 KiB  
Review
The Utility of Lipidomic Analysis in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis—A Systematic Review of Recent Literature
by Jakub Klekowski, Mariusz Chabowski, Małgorzata Krzystek-Korpacka and Mariusz Fleszar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147722 - 14 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2386
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies. Lipidomic investigations have revealed numerous disruptions in lipid profiles across various cancers. Studies on CRC exhibit potential for identifying novel diagnostic or prognostic indicators through lipidomic signatures. This review examines recent literature [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies. Lipidomic investigations have revealed numerous disruptions in lipid profiles across various cancers. Studies on CRC exhibit potential for identifying novel diagnostic or prognostic indicators through lipidomic signatures. This review examines recent literature regarding lipidomic markers for CRC. PubMed database was searched for eligible articles concerning lipidomic biomarkers of CRC. After selection, 36 articles were included in the review. Several studies endeavor to establish sets of lipid biomarkers that demonstrate promising potential to diagnose CRC based on blood samples. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, ceramides, and triacylglycerols (TAGs) appear to offer the highest diagnostic accuracy. In tissues, lysophospholipids, ceramides, and TAGs were among the most altered lipids, while unsaturated fatty acids also emerged as potential biomarkers. In-depth analysis requires both cell culture and animal studies. CRC involves multiple lipid metabolism alterations. Although numerous lipid species have been suggested as potential diagnostic markers, the establishment of standardized methods and the conduct of large-scale studies are necessary to facilitate their clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy)
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20 pages, 1538 KiB  
Review
Managing Colorectal Cancer from Ethology to Interdisciplinary Treatment: The Gains and Challenges of Modern Medicine
by Monika Berbecka, Maciej Berbecki, Anna Maria Gliwa, Monika Szewc and Robert Sitarz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042032 - 7 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2659
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide. This article exhaustively reviews colorectal cancer’s incidence and relevance, carcinogenesis molecular pathways, up-to-date treatment opportunities, prophylaxis, and screening program achievements, with [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide. This article exhaustively reviews colorectal cancer’s incidence and relevance, carcinogenesis molecular pathways, up-to-date treatment opportunities, prophylaxis, and screening program achievements, with attention paid to its regional variations and changes over time. This paper provides a concise overview of known CRC risk factors, including familial, hereditary, and environmental lifestyle-related risk factors. The authors take a closer look into CRC’s molecular genetic pathways and the role of specific enzymes involved in carcinogenesis. Moreover, the role of the general practitioner and multidisciplinary approach in CRC treatment is summarized and highlighted based on recent recommendations and experience. This article gives a clear understanding and review of the gains and challenges of modern medicine towards CRC. The authors believe that understanding the current patterns of CRC and its revolution is imperative to the prospects of reducing its burden through cancer prevention and cancer-adjusted treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy)
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Other

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23 pages, 2649 KiB  
Perspective
Colorectal Cancer: Current and Future Therapeutic Approaches and Related Technologies Addressing Multidrug Strategies Against Multiple Level Resistance Mechanisms
by Marianna Puzzo, Marzia De Santo, Catia Morelli, Antonella Leggio, Stefania Catalano and Luigi Pasqua
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031313 - 4 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1361
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. The mutation profile and related involved pathways of CRC have been, in broad terms, analyzed. The main current therapeutic approaches have been comprehensively reviewed here, and future [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. The mutation profile and related involved pathways of CRC have been, in broad terms, analyzed. The main current therapeutic approaches have been comprehensively reviewed here, and future possible therapeu-tic options and related technologies have been perspectively presented. The complex scenario represented by the multiple-level resistance mechanism in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, including mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF V600E, is discussed. Examples of engineered therapeutic approaches from the literature along with a drug combination tested in clinical trials are discussed. The encouraging results observed with the latter combination (the BEACON clinical trial), totally free from chemotherapy, prompted the authors to imagine a future possible nanotechnology-assisted therapeutic approach for bypassing multiple-level resistance mechanisms, hopefully allowing, in principle, a complete biological cancer remission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancers: An Update on Their Molecular Pathology and Therapy)
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