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World J Gastroenterol. Nov 28, 2007; 13(44): 5902-5910
Published online Nov 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i44.5902
Novel translational strategies in colorectal cancer research
Ignacio Gil-Bazo
Ignacio Gil-Bazo, Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, United States
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Ignacio Gil-Bazo, MD, PhD, Department of Oncology, University Clinic, University of Navarra, Pio XII 36, Pamplona 31008, Spain. igbazo@unav.es
Telephone: +34-948-255400 Fax: +34-948-2554003
Received: December 21, 2006
Revised: January 9, 2007
Accepted: September 24, 2007
Published online: November 28, 2007
Abstract

Defining translational research is still a complex task. In oncology, translational research implies using our basic knowledge learnt from in vitro and in vivo experiments to directly improve diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in cancer patients. Moreover, the better understanding of human cancer and its use to design more reliable tumor models and more accurate experimental systems also has to be considered a good example of translational research. The identification and characterization of new molecular markers and the discovery of novel targeted therapies are two main goals in colorectal cancer translational research. However, the straightforward translation of basic research findings, specifically into colorectal cancer treatment and vice versa is still underway. In the present paper, a summarized view of some of the new available approaches on colorectal cancer translational research is provided. Pros and cons are discussed for every approach exposed.

Keywords: Translational research; Colorectal cancer; Genomics; Proteomics; Targeted therapies