title: Molecular classification and correlates in colorectal cancer.
abstract: Molecular classification of colorectal cancer is evolving. As our understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis improves, we are incorporating new knowledge into the classification system. In particular, global genomic status [microsatellite instability (MSI) status and chromosomal instability (CIN) status] and epigenomic status [CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) status] play a significant role in determining clinical, pathological and biological characteristics of colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss molecular classification and molecular correlates based on MSI status and CIMP status in colorectal cancer. Studying molecular correlates is important in cancer research because it can 1) provide clues to pathogenesis, 2) propose or support the existence of a new molecular subtype, 3) alert investigators to be aware of potential confounding factors in association studies, and 4) suggest surrogate markers in clinical or research settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. shuji_ogino@dfci.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Shuji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ogino
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor