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Novel therapeutic developments other than EGFR and VEGF inhibition in colorectal cancer

Richard H Wilson1

  • 1Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. r.wilson@qub.ac.uk

The Oncologist
|October 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

New colorectal cancer (CRC) therapies show promise, including novel drug formulations and cell cycle inhibitors. However, complex clinical trials may hinder the development of these promising colorectal cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment relies on cytotoxic chemotherapy, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a standard agent.
  • Existing therapies face challenges, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies and drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging developments in cytotoxic therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To discuss potential new agents and strategies aimed at improving CRC treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in colorectal cancer (CRC) drug development.
  • Analysis of alternative agents to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), including liposomal inhibitors and antifolates.
  • Exploration of drug reformulation, pharmacokinetic modulation, and combination strategies, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Several promising agents are being investigated, including OSI-7904L (a liposomal Thymidylate Synthase inhibitor) and pemetrexed (a multitargeted antifolate).
  • Strategies to enhance irinotecan activity involve reformulation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition to maximize DNA damage.
  • Cell cycle inhibitors are being considered as alternatives or adjuncts to 5-FU in CRC treatment regimens.

Conclusions:

  • The development of new colorectal cancer (CRC) drugs is complex, involving intricate clinical trials.
  • The increasing complexity of therapeutic regimens may pose significant challenges to drug registration and clinical adoption.
  • Despite promising preclinical and early clinical data, several novel agents may not reach full development for CRC indication due to developmental hurdles.

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