Research progress of aptamers in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (Review).

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‑related deaths. The high incidence rate and poor prognosis of CRC pose a serious threat to public health, and impose a notable social and economic burden. Therefore, improving the accuracy of the early diagnosis and treatment of CRC is of notable importance. Aptamers have substantial potential for tumor‑targeted diagnosis and treatment due to their unique advantages, such as high affinity, high specificity and programmability. In the diagnosis and treatment of CRC, aptamers can specifically target receptors on the surface of cancer cells and intervene in the development of CRC by inhibiting receptor activity. The present study reviews the current state of research on aptamers to provide a new scientific basis and methods for diagnosing and treating CRC. The relevant research achievements are organized based on the two major branches of diagnostic detection and targeted therapy to systematically assess the translational value of various CRC aptamers.