The Importance of Genetic Testing in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Early-onset colorectal cancer has been steadily increasing in Serbia, particularly among individuals aged 45–49, reflecting global trends. A recently conducted national study showed that nearly half of younger patients carry genetic alterations that may influence the choice of therapy. Of particular significance is the finding that some patients harbor the KRAS G12C variant, which can be targeted by newly approved therapies. These findings highlight the urgent need to lower the screening age to 45 and to expand routine genetic testing in order to enable personalized, molecularly guided treatment for patients in Serbia.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia and University Clinical Center of Serbia.
KRAS, NRAS and BRAF Mutational Landscape in Serbian Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients