Dichotomous colorectal cancer behaviour
Sara Aljama, Estela Pérez Lago, Olga Zafra, Javier Sierra, Diana Simón, Cruz Santos, Jesús Rodríguez-Pascual, Noemí Garcia‐Romero
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor and one of the deadliest cancers. At molecular level, CRC is a heterogeneous disease that could be divided in four Consensus Molecular Subtypes. Given the differences in the disease due to its anatomical location (proximal and distal colon), another classification should be considered. Here, we review the current knowledge on CRC dichotomic´s behaviour based on two different entities; right and left-sided tumors, their impact on clinical trial data, microbiota spatial composition and the interaction with the nervous system. We discuss recent advances in understanding how the spatial tumor heterogeneity influences the tumor growth, progression, and responses to current therapies. • Colorectal cancer is not considered a unique disease. • Side differences have a great impact in treatment response. • Spatial composition of microbiota is crucial to colorectal cancer development. • The interaction between nervous system and colorectal cancer needs further investigations. • A correct patient stratification is required to improve survival rates.