Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Discovery of Driver Genes in Colorectal HT29-derived Cancer Stem-Like Tumorspheres
Published on: July 22, 2020
The long road to colorectal cancer therapy: searching for the right signals
Frédéric Hollande1, Julie Pannequin, Dominique Joubert
1CNRS, UMR 5203, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier F-34094, France. fhollande@univ-montp1.fr
Abstract:
During the last 25 years, improvements in our understanding of signaling processes mediating tumor initiation, growth and dissemination have opened the door towards increasingly efficient, selective, but also complex therapeutic approaches. In parallel, the better characterization of altered signaling pathways in tumor cells, as well as the relationship between these alterations and the sensitivity of tumors to given compounds, have forced us to contemplate the use of biomarkers allowing patient selection and evaluation of treatment efficacy. Such biomarkers should become a corner stone for the success of a more rational and "personalized" clinical approach to colorectal cancer. Here we give an overview of the "signaling pathway-selective" compounds that are currently in use or under clinical development in the setting of colorectal cancer (CRC) and we discuss promising targets, based on our current knowledge of colorectal tumor cell biology, such as Src family, Wnt and Hegdehog signaling.
Insights
Advances in understanding tumor signaling pathways have led to targeted therapies for colorectal cancer (CRC). Biomarkers are crucial for selecting patients and evaluating treatment effectiveness in personalized CRC care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Significant progress in understanding tumor initiation, growth, and dissemination signaling pathways.
- Characterization of altered signaling pathways in tumor cells and their link to drug sensitivity.
- Need for biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC) for patient selection and treatment efficacy evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of signaling pathway-selective compounds for colorectal cancer.
- To discuss promising therapeutic targets based on colorectal tumor cell biology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and investigational signaling pathway-selective compounds in CRC.
- Analysis of emerging targets in colorectal tumor cell biology.
Main Results:
- Overview of existing and developing targeted therapies for CRC.
- Identification of Src family, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling as promising targets.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers are essential for a personalized and rational clinical approach to CRC.
- Targeting specific signaling pathways offers a more efficient and selective therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers