Colorectal carcinoma – epidemiology, risk factors, prognostic biomarkers

In terms of epidemiology, colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide. Progress in research has translated into reduced mortality of the disease, but the trend of early onset CRC troubles most of the developed countries. Identification and validation of effective prognostic biomarkers are crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. The objective of the work is to analyze the latest data on the epidemiology and risk factors of CRC. A narrative review also aims to summarize current knowledge about various prognostic biomarkers in the treatment of CRC, including indicators of performance status, nutritional, and inflammatory markers. CRC pose major health problem in most of the countries and the tumor biomarkers as well as patients pre-treatment condition are crucial to establish prognosis of the disease. Nutritional and performance status indicators play an essential role in assessing the patient's condition and influence treatment decisions, with a potential impact on treatment outcomes. Inflammatory markers have demonstrated significant prognostic value, correlating with the patient's immune response to the tumor and inflammatory processes that may promote disease progression. Despite promising predictive capabilities, these biomarkers are not yet routinely used in clinical practice due to the need for further research validation. The integration of new biomarkers into clinical practice could lead to more personalized treatment decisions and improved treatment outcomes. For a more comprehensive assessment of the validity of these biomarkers and their application in regular clinical practice, further research is necessary.