Colorectal cancer research in early 2026 is increasingly focused on precision medicine, using biomarkers to guide treatment decisions for different patient groups.
One major approach is using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to decide who needs chemotherapy after surgery. Patients with no detectable ctDNA may safely avoid chemotherapy, while those with positive ctDNA—indicating a higher risk of recurrence—may receive more intensive treatment.
New therapies called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are also emerging. These targeted treatments deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells with specific markers, such as MET or HER2. At the same time, combination treatments are being tested for advanced disease, including regimens that combine targeted therapy with immunotherapy, though side effects remain a challenge.
Immunotherapy continues to be highly effective for patients with MSI-high tumors, and researchers are now exploring its use earlier in treatment. There is also a growing shift toward giving therapy before surgery to shrink tumors and treat cancer sooner.