Dr Wong on Survival Outcomes and Molecular Characteristics of Patients with Early-Onset CRC

“It’s important to [note] that [early-onset CRC is] not just a rising epidemiological trend in the United States, but it’s also similarly seen in many other countries in Southeast Asia.”

Evelyn Y.T. Wong, MD, of the Division of Medical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, discussed the survival outcomes and molecular characteristics of patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) from a large, multiracial cohort in Singapore.

The retrospective analysis evaluated data from 2379 consented patients, assessing clinical outcomes alongside tumor molecular profiles to better characterize this distinct patient population. Findings from the study, presented on the international stage, highlighted that early-onset CRC represents a growing global health concern, with incidence trends in Asia and Southeast Asia mirroring the rising rates previously reported in the United States. Wong emphasized that these data reinforce the need for broader, multi-institutional collaboration to expand patient representation and to facilitate the conduct of prospective studies. Such efforts would be critical to refine understanding of early-onset CRC biology, treatment response, and long-term survival outcomes.

Wong noted that current investigations in early-onset CRC are focused on key epidemiologic and translational questions, including the reasons underlying the rising incidence of this disease in younger adults, the relationship between epidemiologic trends and molecular tumor features, and whether specific therapeutic strategies should be developed for this subgroup. She underscored that most available treatment paradigms are derived from trials in older patients, and that clinical trial designs dedicated exclusively to patients with early-onset CRC are warranted.

The analysis further underscored the importance of raising awareness of early-onset CRC among clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy organizations. Wong explained that in clinical practice, younger patients often seek connections with peers who share similar life-stage and psychosocial challenges, making tailored patient support resources an important component of comprehensive care.

By presenting these findings internationally, Wong aimed to broaden recognition of early-onset CRC as a critical research and public health priority. She stressed that global, coordinated efforts integrating epidemiologic, molecular, and clinical data will be essential to advance the field’s understanding of the disease and inform treatment optimization.

Wong concluded that future research must be prospective, multinational, and collaborative to adequately address the unique needs of younger patients with CRC and guide both therapeutic innovation and policy development in this growing patient population.