Molecular Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Colorectal Carcinoma

The use of standard molecular marker testing for patients with early and advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) helps to guide targeted therapy decisions, and advance personalized care for these patients.

A panel of experts collaborated to establish 21 guideline statements—eight recommendations, 10 expert consensus opinions, and three "no recommendations." This thorough set of recommendations is intended to streamline processes and contribute to improving patient outcomes.

The evidence-based clinical practice guideline, "Molecular Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Colorectal Carcinoma: Guideline From the American Society for Clinical Pathology , the College of American Pathologists, the Association for Molecular Pathology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology," addresses the overarching questions:

1. What biomarkers are useful to select patients with CRC for targeted and conventional therapies?
2. How should tissue specimens be processed for biomarker testing for CRC management?
3. How should biomarker testing for CRC management be performed?
4. How should molecular testing of CRC be implemented and operationalized?
5. Are there emerging genes/biomarkers that should be routinely tested in CRC?

This guideline published in the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine will benefit a wide range of stakeholders including oncologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, nurses, allied health professionals, hospital or laboratory administrators, quality managers, patient advocacy groups, patients, and their families or caregivers.

Guideline Information

• Guideline status: In Review
• Published online ahead of print: February 6, 2017
• Originally published: May 2017
• Joint partners: American Society for Clinical Pathology, Association for Molecular Pathology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology

Guideline Tools & Resources

Download the following tools and resources:

• Summary of Recommendations
• Methodology Supplement (Supplemental Digital Content)
• Teaching Presentation
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Infographic
• Webinar

Molecular Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Guideline

Review more CAP evidence-based guidelines by the Center.