Molecularly targeted therapies for colorectal cancer: Strategies for implementing translational research in clinical trials
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
Published on: September 30, 2016
Heinz Zwierzina1, Alberto Bardelli, Fortunato Ciardiello
1Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Heinz.Zwierzina@i-med.ac.at
Abstract:
Few breakthroughs in preclinical research have translated into meaningful benefits, either in clinical terms or quality of life, for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, despite important preclinical discoveries regarding aberrant biological pathways associated with disease development and progression. The many reasons for the slow progress are diverse, ranging from the failure to codevelop biomarkers and targeted therapies, the regulatory burdens imposed on academic investigators, and the failure to collect serial tumor biopsies during clinical trials. This review discusses promising translational research that could help reduce the disparity between preclinical discovery and patient benefit, and advocate the concentration of efforts and resources on the most promising therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer, such as EGFR, VEGF and Fcγ receptor.
Insights
Translational research for advanced colorectal cancer faces challenges. Focusing on promising targets like EGFR and VEGF could improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
- Colorectal Cancer
Background:
- Despite advances in understanding colorectal cancer biology, few preclinical findings benefit patients.
- Slow progress is attributed to issues like biomarker/therapy co-development, regulatory hurdles, and lack of serial biopsies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising translational research in advanced colorectal cancer.
- To advocate for concentrating efforts on key therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of translational research in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of challenges hindering clinical translation.
- Identification of promising therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Significant preclinical discoveries have not translated into clinical benefits for advanced colorectal cancer.
- Several factors impede the translation of research findings.
Conclusions:
- Translational research is crucial for improving patient outcomes in advanced colorectal cancer.
- Focusing on targets such as EGFR, VEGF, and Fcγ receptor is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Cancer 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...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Treatment Resistent Cancers

