Trends in Colorectal Cancer Surveillance: Current Strategies and Future Innovations-

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review article strives to reflect on the historic surveillance debate in colorectal cancer, outline current strategies, and guidelines, and discuss new techniques being explored in surveilling colorectal adenocarcinoma. Recent Findings: Within the past decade, major governing bodies have proposed surveillance guidelines with the goal of earlier identification of cancer recurrence, thereby possibly reducing the morbidity and mortality of necessary interventions. With the innovation of tissue-specific tumor markers and fluorescence endoscopy, the approach to surveillance may be changing. The use of these new modalities allows clinicians to provide a more risk-adjusted basis for care, which is predicted to equate to higher quality care. Summary: The current surveillance guidelines provide an evidence-based framework for physicians and surgeons to follow. However, the influence of these novel surveillance techniques in colorectal cancer is yet to be realized and they ultimately have the potential to revolutionize care.