Antibody-based therapies for colorectal cancer

Ki Young Chung1, Leonard B Saltz

  • 1Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA. chungk@mskcc.org

The Oncologist
|October 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Novel monoclonal antibodies targeting angiogenesis and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling offer new colorectal cancer treatment options. Bevacizumab and cetuximab are key agents in this evolving therapeutic landscape.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Novel monoclonal antibodies targeting biologic pathways have expanded colorectal cancer treatment options.
  • Key targets include angiogenesis and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of novel monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer treatment.
  • To focus on the clinical application of bevacizumab and cetuximab in colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical review of current literature.
  • Focus on bevacizumab (Avastin) and cetuximab (Erbitux).

Main Results:

  • Bevacizumab targets angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth.
  • Cetuximab targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway.
  • These agents represent significant advancements in colorectal cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibodies targeting angiogenesis and EGFR signaling are crucial for colorectal cancer treatment.
  • Bevacizumab and cetuximab are leading agents in this therapeutic class.
  • Further research and clinical application are expanding treatment possibilities for colorectal cancer patients.

Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...