Molecular classification of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with several clinical, pathological, and molecular presentations. A comprehensive and unifying molecular classification would be useful for genotypephenotype correlations, to better understand disease progression, and to predict responses to treatment. Such a classification would be helpful for quickly and efficiently translating results from the laboratory to the clinic and closing the gap between research breakthroughs and actually implementing them clinically. In November 2015, an international consortium consisting of six expert groups published the first consensus on molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer, by bringing together six previously published CRC classifications.