Molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer as a potential prognostic and predictive factor in the selection of the optimal treatment strategy

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and is the third cause of death from malignant tumours. In recent years, a consensus has been developed that distinguishes four subtypes of colon cancer (CMS, consensus molecular subtypes): CMS1 — immunological, CMS2 — canonical, CMS3 — metabolic, and CMS4 — mesenchymal. They differ in terms of clinical course and response to chemotherapy and biological treatment. The practical application of molecular classification can be helpful as a prognostic and predictive factor in the selection of an optimal and individualised strategy for the treatment of individual patients.