Surveillance Strategies in Colorectal Cancer Management
Summary
Surveillance following curative treatment of colorectal cancer centres on early detection of recurrent or metachronous disease, with the aim of improving survival through timely intervention. Traditional follow-up protocols combine periodic clinical assessment, measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans and regular colonoscopic examinations. Risk stratification—with higher-risk patients undergoing more frequent evaluations—underpins contemporary guidelines. Emerging modalities, including circulating tumour DNA assays and remote monitoring platforms, promise to refine individualised schedules. Multidisciplinary review ensures that recurrence detected at an asymptomatic stage can be managed with curative intent whenever possible. The global burden of colorectal cancer highlights the importance of cost-effective, evidence-based surveillance programmes that balance clinical benefit against resource utilisation. Advances in imaging resolution, blood-based markers and telehealth delivery are reshaping follow-up paradigms and supporting a shift towards patient-centred care.
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Surveillance Strategies in Colorectal Cancer Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in surveillance strategies in colorectal cancer management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Surveillance colonoscopy: Colonoscopic examination performed at defined intervals after curative resection to detect local recurrence or new polyps.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): A blood-borne tumour marker used to monitor for colorectal cancer recurrence.
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA): Fragments of tumour-derived DNA in the bloodstream, assessed to identify minimal residual disease non-invasively.
Hazard rate: The instantaneous risk of an event (such as recurrence) occurring at a specific time point after surgery.
Multidisciplinary tumour board: A team of specialists (surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists) who jointly review patient cases to guide management decisions.
References
- Recurrence Patterns and Risk Factors after Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer: Insights for Postoperative Surveillance Strategies. Cancers (2023).
- Patterns and resectability of colorectal cancer recurrences: outcome study within the COLOFOL trial. BJS Open (2021).
- Acceptability, quality of life and cost overview of a remote follow-up plan for patients with colorectal cancer. European Journal of Surgical Oncology (2021).
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