Clinical approaches to early detection of colon adenocarcinoma: Evaluating conventional and biomarker-based strategies.

Abstract

e15625 Background: Colon adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of colorectal cancer, originating from glandular cells in the colon where malignant cells develop abnormally and produce excess mucus. Patient survival is influenced by metastasis and postoperative recurrence. Early detection is essential for improving survival, preventing complications, initiating treatment sooner, and enhancing treatment efficacy. This study aims to explore various techniques for early detection of colon adenocarcinoma, analyzing both conventional and biomarker-based approaches for their efficacy, feasibility, and accuracy. The review covers conventional methods like colonoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, fecal immunochemical tests, imaging, and virtual colonoscopy, along with biomarkers such as mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, DNA methylation markers, and microRNA-based detection. Methods: Databases including ScienceDirect and PubMed, were searched thoroughly for the relevant articles published after 2014, having open access that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of a total of 13,522 studies identified, 53 literatures were finalized for the present study after filtering through exclusion and inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 29 studies discussed conventional methods for early detection of colon adenocarcinoma, while 24 studies emphasized biomarker-based early detection. The study revealed that even though conventional methods provide several advantages related to accuracy, feasibility, and precision, biomarker-based early detection of adenocarcinoma has significant advantages over conventional methods because biomarker based methods allow for earlier detection often before symptoms appear, which leads to better treatment outcomes, higher survival rates, and the possibility of less invasive interventions due to smaller tumor size, all while being potentially less invasive and more accessible than traditional diagnostic procedures such as biopsies. Conclusions: Early detection of colon adenocarcinoma is crucial for improving patient outcomes. While conventional methods, such as colonoscopy and imaging, remain essential, biomarker-based approaches offer significant promise in detecting cancer at earlier stages, often before symptoms appear. Biomarkers like MMR proteins, DNA methylation markers, and microRNAs provide a less invasive, more accessible alternative to traditional methods, enabling precise diagnoses. Integrating biomarker-based strategies with conventional techniques can enhance early detection, facilitate intervention, and improve survival rates, offering a more personalized approach to managing colon adenocarcinoma.