Colorectal cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, necessitating ongoing research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimise management strategies.

The current treatment of colorectal cancer requires a new paradigm for the screening, recognition of newly demonstrated high-risk groups, modern imaging techniques, multimodality treatment options including total neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment, combined with either short or long-course radiation therapy techniques, and finally minimally-invasive robotic techniques for surgery. Pathological examination examines both traditional and more complex MMR, microsatellite instability, next-generation sequencing and circulating DNA for specific targets and possible immunological interventions.

This special issue explores cutting-edge advancements in colorectal cancer diagnosis and management comprehensively. Topics will encompass innovative diagnostic tools, including advanced imaging techniques, molecular biomarkers, and emerging technologies like liquid biopsies, Artificial intelligence and serrated lesions. Furthermore, the issue will delve into multidisciplinary approaches to treatment selection, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cells and targeted therapies. Emphasis will be placed on personalised medicine approaches, considering genetic factors, tumor microenvironment characteristics, and patient-specific considerations to tailor treatment plans effectively. The special issue will also highlight novel strategies for early detection, surveillance, and prevention of colorectal cancer. By gathering insights from leading experts and presenting the latest research findings, this issue aims to provide clinicians and researchers with valuable knowledge to enhance the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer.