ObjectiveTo summarize the recent advances and clinical applications of molecular testing in thyroid cancer, discussing its significance in the era of precision medicine and future perspectives. MethodsA systematic review of relevant domestic and international literature was conducted to identify key molecular events closely associated with the development, progression, and prognosis of thyroid cancer, and to evaluate their clinical utility. ResultsMolecular testing provides critical auxiliary diagnostic information for thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration results. Furthermore, for diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer, molecular markers serve as important tools for precise risk stratification, guiding surgical extent, radioactive iodine therapy decisions, and targeted drug applications. ConclusionMolecular testing has become a cornerstone tool in advancing thyroid cancer management toward precision medicine, future efforts should focus on exploring novel molecular markers and optimizing clinical practice guidelines.
Colon cancer exhibits marked molecular heterogeneity, and molecular testing has become a central component throughout screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic management, while also playing a pivotal role in surgical decision-making. The “NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: colon cancer (version 1. 2026)”, systematically update the molecular testing framework and its clinical applications. The guidelines establish multigene panel testing as a standardized testing strategy based on next-generation sequencing platforms, promoting a transition in colon cancer molecular testing from single-gene, single-site detection toward comprehensive molecular profiling. Multigene panel testing enables the simultaneous detection of key molecular targets including RAS mutations, BRAF mutations, HER2 amplification, mismatch repair deficiency/microsatellite instability, and rare targetable alterations such as POLE/POLD1, RET, and NTRK mutations. In addition, the guidelines recognize the clinical value of circulating tumor DNA testing using peripheral blood as an alternative approach in cases of limited tissue availability. The guidelines further standardize routine biomarker testing workflows and clarify the principles for precise matching between distinct molecular subtypes and targeted therapeutic strategies. Stratified targeted treatment approaches for patients with BRAF V600E mutations and HER2 amplification have been continuously refined. The clinical application of immunotherapy-related biomarkers has been substantially advanced and that is no longer limited to later-line salvage treatment in the metastatic setting. Results of microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient and POLE/POLD1 mutation testing have also been incorporated into the decision-making process for neoadjuvant therapy and perioperative stratified treatment for stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ colon cancer. The guidelines first incorporate PI3K pathway testing into routine evaluation for stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ colon cancer and recommend aspirin as a prognostic intervention strategy. In the field of pharmacogenomics, DPYD testing has been included as a pre-treatment screening requirement prior to fluoropyrimidine administration in order to improve the safety management system for chemotherapy. Meanwhile, the guidelines clearly define local treatment strategies for oligometastatic liver and lung lesions, emphasizing the rational selection of surgery, ablation, and radiotherapy. Overall, this update expands the role of molecular testing from treatment guidance to comprehensive whole-course management and promotes its deep integration with surgical practice, thereby providing an important foundation for precise, standardized, and safe treatment of colon cancer.