Open Access

REVIEW

Evolution or Revolution in Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Present and Future of New Therapeutic Options. A Narrative Review

Urszula Częścik^1,2,#, Martyna Gryglas³, Arkadiusz Szterk⁴, Sylwia Flis^3,#,*

1 Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Doctoral School of Translational Medicine, Marymoncka 99, Warsaw, 01-813, Poland
2 Center of Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Science, Nowoursynowska 100, Warsaw, 02-797, Poland
3 Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, Warsaw, 02-786, Poland
4 ASLAB Science P.S.A., Fort Służew 1/9, Warsaw, 02-787, Poland

* Corresponding Author: Sylwia Flis. Email:
# These authors contributed equally to this work

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances and Innovations in Colorectal Cancer Research and Treatment)

Oncology Research 2026, 34(2), 2 https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2025.067449

Received 04 May 2025; Accepted 11 October 2025; Issue published 19 January 2026

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. By 2050, CRC incidence is expected to rise substantially, driven by population aging and greater exposure to risk factors in developing countries. Despite advances in medicine and pharmacy, the effectiveness of available treatments remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes and critically evaluates currently available CRC therapies and explores new emerging directions. Particular attention is given to the role of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, nanotechnology-based approaches, metal-based compounds, PROTAC technology, and personalized medicine, with emphasis on their efficacy, safety, accessibility, and mechanisms of drug resistance. In conclusion, surgery and chemotherapy remain the backbone of CRC treatment, but novel therapeutic approaches are reshaping the treatment landscape. Emerging strategies may offer improved patient tolerability and survival outcomes by reducing the occurrence of burdensome adverse effects. Persistent challenges such as drug toxicity, the emergence of resistance mechanisms, and inequalities in access to innovative therapies underscore the need for further translational research. Integrating personalized therapeutic approaches will also be crucial to achieving more effective, safer, and accessible treatment strategies for CRC.

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Keywords

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