Biomarkers for Early Detection and Monitoring of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health burden. Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening, less invasive biomarker-based stool and blood tests including FIT, multi-target stool DNA/RNA assays, and blood-based biomarker tests are emerging with promising diagnostic performance. In the post-treatment setting of localized CRC, ctDNA has emerged as a powerful tool, with studies showing it can predict recurrence earlier than imaging or traditional tumor biomarkers. ctDNA testing is used for genomic profiling of CRC to guide therapy decisions. Ongoing research aims to refine ctDNA-based surveillance and integrate it with other biomarkers to transform CRC monitoring and treatment.