Targeted therapies in colorectal cancer: an integrative view by PPPM

Suzanne Hagan, Maria C. M. Orr, Brendan Doyle

Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

63 Citations (Scopus)
108 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In developed countries, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy, but it is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death. Clinicians are still faced with numerous challenges in the treatment of this disease, and future approaches which target the molecular features of the disorder will be critical for success in this disease setting. Genetic analyses of many solid tumours have shown that up to 100 protein-encoding genes are mutated. Within CRC, numerous genetic alterations have been identified in a number of pathways. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathology of CRC may present information on potential routes for treatment and may also provide valuable prognostic information. This will be particularly pertinent for molecularly targeted treatments, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapy. KRAS and BRAF mutations have been shown to predict response to anti-EGFR therapy. As EGFR can also signal via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) kinase pathway, there is considerable interest in the potential roles of members of this pathway (such as PI3K and PTEN) in predicting treatment response. Therefore, a combined approach of new techniques that allow identification of these biomarkers alongside interdisciplinary approaches to the treatment of advanced CRC will aid in the treatment decision-making process and may also serve to guide future therapeutic approaches.
Original languageEnglish
Pages3-18
Number of pages16
Volume4
No.3
Specialist publicationEPMA Journal
PublisherSpringer Nature
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • Clinical decision-making process, Molecularly targeted treatment, Therapy response, Prediction, Therapy monitoring, Anti-EGFR, Anti-VEGF, Monoclonal antibody therapy, CRC management, Integrative medical approach
  • molecularly targeted treatment
  • therapy monitoring
  • anti-EGFR
  • monoclonal antibody therapy
  • colorectal cancer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Medicine

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