This episode of Colorectal Surgery Review provides a focused, deep dive into the absolute current state-of-the-art management of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Targeted specifically toward practicing clinicians and academic colorectal surgeons, the discussion dissects the fundamental molecular biology, changing epidemiology, screening variance, and the critical nuances in surgical and medical treatment guidelines for both sporadic and inherited forms of the disease.
Key Topics Covered in this Deep Dive:
Molecular Foundation and Drivers: The episode anchors the discussion on the fundamental concept that CRC is a disease of progressive accumulation of genetic alterations, starting with the classic Fear and Vogelstein model. It clarifies the distinction between sporadic (80%) and inherited (20%) cases. Essential genes like APC, TP53, and major pathways (WNT, MAPK) are reviewed.
Actionable Biomarkers and Targeted Therapy: The discussion emphasizes the non-negotiable importance of testing for RAS (K/N RAS) mutations, which are present in about half of all CRCs. An activating RAS mutation constitutively activates the downstream protein, making anti-EGFR agents (such as cetuximab or panitumumab) ineffective and potentially exposing the patient to unnecessary toxicity. The resistance mechanism of BRAF V600E mutations in CRC, often requiring triplet combination therapy, is contrasted with melanoma biology.
Tumor Sitedness and Metastatic Implications: The biological and therapeutic implications of tumor location (right vs. left colon) are highlighted as a crucial management detail. Definitive studies show that anti-EGFR agents are beneficial only for metastatic CRC patients with wild-type RAS whose primary tumor originated on the left side. Right-sided primaries often have a worse outcome.
Epidemiology and Screening: The rising incidence of CRC in younger patients (Young Onset CRC or YO CRC, defined as diagnosis under age 50) is explored, prompting a discussion of the tension between screening guidelines (ACS recommending age 45 vs. NCCN maintaining 50). Concrete, data-driven lifestyle risk and protective factors are provided (e.g., 12% risk increase per 100g/day of red meat intake; 19% decreased relative risk with physical activity).
Lynch Syndrome (LS) and Diagnostic Algorithms: The most common inherited syndrome (affecting 3% of all CRC) is detailed. Universal screening for Mismatch Repair (MMR) deficiency (MSI-H/DMMR) is standard, but the distinction between inherited LS and sporadic deficiency is essential. The critical high-stakes diagnostic algorithm—checking for the BRAF V600E mutation when MLH1 protein is lost on IHC—is presented as mandatory for guiding germline testing and avoiding missed diagnoses.
Inherited Syndrome Management Dilemmas: The podcast focuses on the functional trade-offs in surgical planning. For LS patients, Total Abdominal Colectomy (TAC) is favored due to the 60% metacronous cancer risk after segmental resection, but TAC results in significant functional morbidity (e.g., increased stool frequency). For Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), Total Proctocolectomy with IPA offers the highest risk reduction, while a rectal-sparing IRA generally preserves function but carries a long-term risk of subsequent proctectomy as high as 74%.
Medical Management and Immunotherapy: For Stage 2 MMR deficient cancers, single-agent 5-fluorouracil (5FU) chemotherapy shows absolutely no benefit. The strong immune response (TILs) seen in MSI tumors is leveraged by highly effective immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for metastatic DMMR/MSI CRC. Aspirin chemoprevention (600mg/day) reduces subsequent CRC risk by 50% in LS carriers.
Rarer Syndromes: