Alternatives for the intensive follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer. Potential novel biomarkers for the recommendations.

Early diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer following surgery of curative intent is of vital importance in terms of survival and quality of life. The consistent implementation of appropriate patient follow-up strategy is therefore essential. Debates over the methodology, evaluation and strategy of follow-up have been known for many years, and continue today. By introducing several follow-up models, the present paper offers different options featuring certain individual, national and international, conceptual and financial aspects. Colorectal cancer is an important public health concern due to its destructive nature and frequency, it is therefore essential to develop new monitoring strategies, involving new biomarkers and extensive clinical validation. Since the recurrence rate is very high in high-risk patients, the improvement of individual patient risk estimates and the utilization of a corresponding follow-up model require broad international co-operation and common practice, along with the determination of optimal levels of evidence.