Clinical Validity and Utility of Proteogenomics in Colorectal Cancer: Lessons for Population Screening and Policy

Bwanbale Geoffrey David

Faculty of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden, necessitating more effective and targeted screening strategies. Proteogenomics, which integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data, has emerged as a promising approach for improving CRC risk stratification, early detection, and therapeutic decision-making. This study examines the clinical validity and utility of proteogenomics in CRC, with a focus on its implications for population screening and health policy. Current evidence demonstrates that while proteogenomic profiling enhances understanding of tumor biology, genotype–phenotype associations, and disease progression, its clinical validity for widespread screening remains insufficient. Nonetheless, proteogenomics shows potential in identifying high-risk individuals, refining screening paradigms, and supporting precision medicine approaches. The review further highlights key challenges, including limited reproducibility, lack of standardized methodologies, insufficient longitudinal and health-economic data, and regulatory uncertainties. Importantly, issues of equity, access, and infrastructure readiness must be addressed before large-scale implementation. Lessons from existing CRC research emphasize the need for robust validation studies, standardized reporting frameworks, and integration with existing screening tools such as fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and colonoscopy. Overall, while proteogenomics offers significant promise for transforming CRC screening and management, its translation into population-level programs requires further evidence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy development. Future research should prioritize clinical validation, cost-effectiveness analysis, and equitable implementation strategies to ensure that the benefits of proteogenomics are both clinically meaningful and socially inclusive.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer (CRC), Proteogenomics, Population screening, Risk stratification, and Precision medicine

CITE AS: Bwanbale Geoffrey David (2026). Clinical Validity and Utility of Proteogenomics in Colorectal Cancer: Lessons for Population Screening and Policy. Research Output Journal of Public Health and Medicine 6(1):1-8. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJPHM/2026/611800