The Role of Precision Oncology in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Scoping Review
Olumide Ijishakin
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA.
Oluwatobi Atiba *
Capella University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Azka Ali
Rosalind Franklin University, Illinois, USA.
Venkateshwarlu Kamishetty
Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India.
Tiffany Abbey
Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Otokini Samuel Frank-Briggs
American University of Barbados School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Maureen Ukamaka Adione
Anambra State University, Uli, Nigeria.
Umejiego Vivien Ngozi
Ahmadu Bello University DLC, Zaria, Nigeria.
Oluwamayomikun Soremekun
American University of Barbados School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Shwetha Gopal
Davao Medical School Foundation, Davao City, Philippines.
Isaac Oluwagbemiga Oni
All Saints University School of Medicine, Roseau, Dominica.
Tagbo Onyemelukwe
American University of Barbados School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Oghenerukevwe Faith Ohwodo
American University of Barbados School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Nahid Ahmed Abdelhadi
Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University, Khartoum, Sudan.
Mohamed Badr
Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt.
Emeka Stanley Obi
Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Precision oncology has emerged as a promising approach to tailor cancer treatment based on the molecular profile of individual tumours, enabling more effective and less toxic therapeutic interventions.
Aim: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the current state of precision oncology in colorectal cancer, focusing on advancements in patient-derived models, drug screening platforms, ctDNA analysis, genomic profiling, and personalised treatment strategies.
Methods: The electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 2017 and September 2023, using relevant keywords and MeSH terms related to colorectal cancer and precision oncology. The search was limited to experimental, observational, analytical, adaptive platform trials, prospective, and retrospective study designs. The data were extracted and summarised in a narrative form or as a summary table, highlighting the key study findings and conclusions.
Results: Eleven studies were included in this review, which showcased advancements in patient-derived models, drug screening platforms, ctDNA analysis, genomic profiling, and personalised treatment strategies in CRC. These studies highlighted the potential of precision oncology to improve the management of CRC and ultimately, patient outcomes. However, challenges still need to be addressed in the widespread implementation of these technologies, such as the cost and complexity of genomic profiling, the clinical utility of many targeted therapies and biomarkers, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.
Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the significant progress made in the field of precision oncology in CRC. Future research should focus on addressing the identified challenges and further validating the clinical utility of precision oncology strategies in diverse patient populations.
Keywords: Precision oncology, colorectal cancer, drug screening, genomic profiling, personalized treatment