Molecular differences in colon cancer according to location: A literature review

Abstract

Differences in clinical presentation, epidemiology, prognosis, and molecular mechanisms between left-sided colon cancer (LCC) and right-sided colon cancer (RCC) have been widely studied in recent years. Indeed, mutations seen in LCC differ in nature and frequency compared to LCC. Furthermore, the differences in the biological environment, including histopathological, microbiological, and biochemical differences of the two regions promote different gene expressions in carcinomas. These molecular differences distinguish the nature of colorectal cancer according to the primary site of formation. In this narrative review, all such differences have been explored in detail with the aim of providing further insights into the topic, since in the era of individualised treatment, sidedness is a major factor in the treatment of colorectal cancer.