Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgery remains the cornerstone for curative treatment, and operative techniques have changed considerably over the past decades. Laparoscopic approach has become standard for colon cancer, and several developments including robotic-assisted surgery are evolving for rectal cancer. The addition of targeted therapies has prolonged life in metastatic disease to considerable extent. The genetic understanding of the disease has led to introduction of molecular classification proposals, which exemplifies knowledge translated from basic science to clinical care. Furthermore, the advance of currently available diagnostic modalities and the experimental investigation of novel technologies such as the implementation of nanoparticles brings considerable promise for the detection, staging, and treatment of CRC and calls for improved stratification and prognostication to better allocate resources and justify associated costs while reducing morbidity and even mortality from the disease.

A new wave of trial data in the coming years and an evolving knowledge of relevant biomarkers may bring us closer to new more effective screening and surveillance strategies. To best apply these insights, a number of important research questions need to be addressed, and new decision making tools must be developed. To promote the basic and clinical research field in CRC, we invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate continuing efforts to expand the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Incidence, screening, and risk factors
• Genetics and heredity
• Molecular basis of cancer
• Advances in endoscopy
• Novel diagnostic approaches including biomarkers, serology, and imaging
• Surgery and postoperative management
• Nanoparticles and nanomaterials
• Novel modalities in chemotherapy
• Recurrence and metastasis
• Cost effectiveness of current and/or future strategies