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Two Decades of Progress in Personalized Medicine of Colorectal Cancer in Serbia—Insights from the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia.

Authors :
Cavic, Milena
Nikolic, Neda
Marinkovic, Mladen
Damjanovic, Ana
Krivokuca, Ana
Tanic, Miljana
Radulovic, Marko
Stanojevic, Aleksandra
Pejnovic, Luka
Djordjic Crnogorac, Marija
Djuric, Ana
Vukovic, Miodrag
Stevanovic, Vanja
Kijac, Jelena
Karadzic, Valentina
Nikolic, Srdjan
Stojanovic-Rundic, Suzana
Jankovic, Radmila
Spasic, Jelena
Source :
Biomedicines; Oct2024, Vol. 12 Issue 10, p2278, 19p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: It is projected that, by 2040, the number of new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) will increase to 3.2 million, and the number of deaths to 1.6 million, highlighting the need for prevention strategies, early detection and adequate follow-up. In this study, we aimed to provide an overview of the progress in personalized medicine of CRC in Serbia, with results and insights from the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia (IORS), and to propose guidance for tackling observed challenges in the future. Methods: Epidemiological data were derived from official global and national cancer registries and IORS electronic medical records. Germline genetic testing for Lynch syndrome was performed by Next Generation Sequencing. RAS and BRAF mutation analyses were performed using qPCR diagnostic kits. Results: Epidemiology and risk factors, prevention and early detection programs, as well as treatment options and scientific advances have been described in detail. Out of 103 patients who underwent germline testing for Lynch syndrome, 19 (18.4%) showed a mutation in MMR genes with pathogenic or likely pathogenic significance and 8 (7.8%) in other CRC-associated genes (APC, CHEK2, MUTYH). Of 6369 tested patients, 50.43% had a mutation in KRAS or NRAS genes, while 9.54% had the V600 mutation in the BRAF gene. Conclusions: Although significant improvements in CRC management have occurred globally in recent years, a strategic approach leading to population-based systemic solutions is required. The high incidence of young-onset CRC and the growing elderly population due to a rise in life expectancy will be especially important factors for countries with limited healthcare resources like Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22279059
Volume :
12
Issue :
10
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Biomedicines
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180525660
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102278