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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:27
Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Systemic and targeted therapy for advanced colon cancer
Sanjay R Hegde1, Weijing Sun, John P Lynch
1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, 650 Clinical Research Building, 415 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Newer systemic and targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, offer improved treatment options for metastatic CRC beyond traditional 5-fluorouracil regimens.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern, ranking as the third most common malignancy and second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA.
- Early detection of CRC is crucial for improved patient prognosis, yet a substantial proportion of newly diagnosed cases present with advanced disease, including lymph node involvement or metastasis.
- Historically, 5-fluorouracil (FU)-based chemotherapy regimens were the cornerstone of treatment for metastatic CRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss contemporary systemic and targeted therapeutic strategies for managing metastatic colon cancer.
- To provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanism of action, clinical indications, toxicity profiles, and efficacy of novel therapeutic agents.
- To update the understanding of the evolving treatment landscape for metastatic colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current systemic and targeted therapies for metastatic colon cancer.
- Analysis of data on mechanism of action, indications, toxicity, and efficacy of newer agents.
- Synthesis of information on 5-fluorouracil-based regimens, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and monoclonal antibodies (anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF).
Main Results:
- Several novel agents have expanded treatment options for metastatic CRC.
- These include chemotherapy agents like oxaliplatin and irinotecan.
- Targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor (cetuximab, panitumumab) and vascular endothelial growth factor (bevacizumab) are now integral to treatment regimens.
Conclusions:
- The treatment paradigm for metastatic colorectal cancer has significantly advanced with the introduction of newer systemic and targeted agents.
- These newer therapies offer improved efficacy and expanded options, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms, benefits, and risks.
- Ongoing research continues to refine treatment strategies, aiming for better outcomes in patients with metastatic CRC.
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