The Molecular Taxonomy of Colorectal Cancer: What's New?

Colorectal cancer is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease. Since Vogelstein's description of a colorectal cancer model almost 30 years ago, significant advances have been made to better characterize and classify colorectal tumors. The technological advances in the past few years have favored a deeper analysis of the genetic and epigenetic features that characterize colorectal tumors, leading to several molecular classifications. Although not always consistent, these analyses have shed light on the molecular features that shape colorectal tumors. In recent times, consensus groups and collaborations are joining forces to provide a single comprehensive colorectal cancer molecular classification that includes genetic, epigenetic, and clinical features. Here, we review what is new in the molecular taxonomy of colorectal cancers and the clinical implications of these classifications.