Abstract: Protein-based methods and compositions for the diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma are disclosed. A method for identifying cell-surface proteins, which are transmembrane proteins or proteins with a signal peptide and which are over-expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) is disclosed. Biomarkers found with this method, diagnostic methods using them and contrast agents directed to them for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magentic photon imaging (MPI) are disclosed. The methods and biomarkers allow for differentiating progressive (high-risk) CRC (adenocarcinomas) from non-progressive (low-risk) colorectal adenomas.