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Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
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Published on: September 30, 2016

Recent progress in target therapy in colorectal cancer

Lara Maria Pasetto1, Alberto Bortolami, Cristina Falci

  • 1Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Medical Oncology, 35128 Padova. laramary@libero.it

Anticancer Research
|November 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Monoclonal antibodies like cetuximab and bevacizumab offer improved survival for colorectal cancer patients. These targeted therapies show superior efficacy compared to traditional chemotherapy, with ongoing research into optimal combinations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Monoclonal antibodies represent a novel therapeutic class targeting specific cancer cell receptors.
  • These antibodies can deliver payloads such as toxins or radioactive isotopes directly to tumor cells.
  • Cetuximab and bevacizumab have emerged as significant agents in colorectal cancer management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical applications, mechanisms of action, and safety profiles of monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer.
  • To discuss the efficacy of cetuximab and bevacizumab in various treatment settings for colorectal carcinoma.
  • To highlight the potential of these targeted agents in combination therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical studies and data on monoclonal antibody therapies.
  • Analysis of mechanisms of action, including direct cellular effects and targeted delivery.
  • Evaluation of safety profiles and clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.

Main Results:

  • Cetuximab plus irinotecan is approved for second-line therapy in irinotecan-resistant colorectal cancer.
  • Bevacizumab plus 5FU/LV demonstrated improved response and survival in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer.
  • Combinations with oxaliplatin have shown promising results, doubling therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibodies provide superior therapeutic efficacy over traditional chemotherapy, evidenced by survival benefits in advanced or recurrent cancers.
  • The precise mechanisms are still under investigation, but specific inhibition of tumor progression and metastasis genes is evident.
  • Further research is required to identify optimal patient groups and drug combinations for enhanced therapeutic strategies.

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