Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. It is the second most common type of cancer among men and women, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. 

Colorectal cancer most commonly occurs in men and women 55-85 years of age, which is 80% of colorectal cancer cases. Common risk factors of the disease include: 

• Obesity 

• Having type 2 diabetes 

• Family history 

• Racial and ethnic background 

• Diet 

• Level of physical activity 

• Long term tobacco smoking 

• Moderate to heavy alcohol use 

If a person is suspected of having colorectal cancer or has already been diagnosed with it, they will be tested for colorectal cancer biomarkers. 

Biomarkers or biological biomarkers are traits that healthcare providers measure in a person’s blood, body fluids, and tissues. They can be signs of conditions, diseases, normal body functions, or when something goes wrong. Biomarkers can also be used by healthcare providers to see how well a person’s body reacts to treatments for the disease they have.  

Biomarkers for colorectal cancer are used for diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and treatment planning. Diagnostic biomarkers can detect the presence of diseases. Prognostic biomarkers are associated with a clinical outcome regardless of the treatment that has been received, and predictive biomarkers can predict the benefit or lack of benefit of a certain treatment.  

Colorectal cancer biomarker testing is done by taking a sample of a person’s tumor for a biopsy, or a sample of their blood and sending it to a pathology lab to determine if there are any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins made by their cancer. Many tests are used in biomarker testing, including: 

• DNA or RNA sequencing 

• Next-generation sequencing 

• Molecular testing 

• CtDNA 

• Immunohistochemistry 

• FISH 

Biomarker testing can reveal very detailed information about a person’s tumor. A healthcare provider will review the test results to determine which of the specific biomarkers are present, and they may also see how much is present. The type of biomarker tests a person receives depends on what their healthcare provider determines is right for the type and stage of cancer they have.  

Biomarkers can also determine if the person’s colorectal cancer has a hereditary genetic mutation or an acquired one. Only 5% of colorectal cancer cases are caused by germline mutations, also known as hereditary mutations, which are genetic abnormalities that are passed down from parent to child. This means that 95% of colorectal cancers happen randomly due to changes in the body cells that weren’t inherited. 

Once colorectal cancer biomarker testing is complete, a healthcare provider will be able to create a personalized treatment plan based on the person’s unique biomarker traits. 

Biomarker testing is useful in both early and advanced colorectal cancer. For those with advanced cancer, biomarker testing is used to learn whether their cancer has any targetable characteristics. If it does, target therapy or immunotherapy may be treatment options as they target specific characteristics of a tumor.  

If you would like to learn more about colorectal cancer biomarker testing, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742. 

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.