Human variability in colorectal cancer control
Keywords:
human variability; colorectal cancer; personalized medicine; precision medicineAbstract
Introduction: Advances in genetics have led to a greater understanding of human variability, and are the foundation of new approaches to personalized and precision medicine.
Objective: To identify the aspects of human variability in which personalized and precision medicine focuses to optimize the control of colorectal cancer.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, in both languages, Spanish and English, using keywords and time limits. A total of 107 articles were consulted, and 30 published between 2001 and 2025 that met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected.
Results: Human variability is the cornerstone of personalized and precision medicine in colorectal cancer control. Three areas of analysis were identified: biological-molecular, clinical, and educational. In the first, genetic and epigenetic alterations explain tumor heterogeneity and the diversity of therapeutic response. In the clinical setting, multiple biomarkers are used for risk stratification, therapeutic selection, and patient follow-up. In the educational area, genomic literacy and medical education are essential for the effective implementation of these approaches, ensuring their integration into clinical practice.
Conclusions: The aspects of human variability that are present in colorectal cancer are a way to optimize disease control through the implementation and development of personalized and precision medicine focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment.
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