Targeting the extracellular signature of metastatic colorectal cancers

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of tumor death, a consequence primarily of the spreading of malignant cells to liver and lung. Despite a range of interventions for liver metastases, the present knowledge of few specific molecular targets may contribute to late diagnosis and poorly effective therapy.

To review the most innovative methodology employed to profile the signature(s) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to address diagnostic/therapeutic agents.

A broad range Medline search was conducted, with particular attention to the search terms 'liver metastasis signature', in combination with 'targeting' and 'nanotechnology'.

Studies aimed at the discovery of molecular signatures of cancers and metastasis are ongoing; the future of cancer/metastasis targeting is nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery.