The involvement of YKL-40 in the pathogenesis of CRC, as well as its potential as a molecule used as a component of targeted therapy in CRC, requires further research, with a particularly focus on the association of YKL-40 with CRC progression, depending on tumor pathogenetics, such as MSI status and the other molecular subtypes of CRC. The gene discussed is CHI3L1; the disease is neoplasm.