Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
08:12

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Published on: March 14, 2019

The role of chemotherapy in microsatellite unstable (MSI-H) colorectal cancer

Janindra Warusavitarne1, Margaret Schnitzler

  • 1Department of Cancer Genetics, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia. janindra@bigpond.com

International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|November 17, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer exhibits distinct behaviors and chemotherapy responses compared to microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRC. Evidence suggests MSI-H tumors may have a reduced response to 5-Fluorouracil.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • High-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) represents an alternative pathway in 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers.
  • MSI-H tumors originate from DNA mismatch repair system mutations, influencing chemotherapy response differently than microsatellite-stable (MSS) cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize existing literature on chemotherapy responses in MSI-H colorectal cancer (CRC).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating chemotherapy efficacy in MSI-H CRC.
  • Analysis of in vitro and clinical evidence regarding treatment responses.

Main Results:

  • In vitro data indicate a reduced sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) in MSI-H CRC.
  • Clinical evidence, though conflicting, leans towards a diminished response to 5FU in MSI-H CRC.
  • The review also examines newer agents like COX-2 inhibitors and irinotecan.

Conclusions:

  • MSI-H CRC demonstrates unique behavioral patterns and chemotherapy response profiles compared to MSS CRC.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize treatment strategies for MSI-H CRC patients.

More Related Videos

A Three-dimensional Model of Spheroids to Study Colon Cancer Stem Cells06:38

A Three-dimensional Model of Spheroids to Study Colon Cancer Stem Cells

Published on: January 22, 2021

Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery06:46

Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery

Published on: September 27, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
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...