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Monoclonal antibodies in gastrointestinal cancers

Giuseppe Bronte1, Giuseppe Cicero, Stefania Cusenza

  • 1Università di Palermo, Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgical and Oncological Sciences, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy. antonio.russo@usa.net

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|February 28, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeted therapies like monoclonal antibodies improve outcomes for advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies show promise, especially when combined with chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Gastrointestinal Oncology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Cancer Biomarkers

Background:

  • Colorectal and gastric neoplasms are leading gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Targeted drug development has enhanced systemic therapy for advanced stages.
  • Key biological pathways include angiogenesis and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review biological processes in gastrointestinal cancer.
  • To discuss anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies in colorectal and gastric cancers.
  • To report on emerging monoclonal antibodies in development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of biological processes in gastrointestinal cancer.
  • Analysis of anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody efficacy.
  • Inclusion of data on novel monoclonal antibodies.

Main Results:

  • Monoclonal antibodies combined with chemotherapy yield best outcomes in colorectal and gastric cancers.
  • Single-agent anti-EGFR antibodies show activity in specific metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) settings.
  • Data on anti-VEGF/anti-EGFR addition to chemotherapy for resectable metastases is limited.
  • Adjuvant setting data for these therapies is scarce and conflicting.

Conclusions:

  • Patient selection tests are available for targeted therapies.
  • Further biomarker evaluation is crucial for personalized systemic therapy.
  • Tailorization of treatment based on biomarkers is essential for optimizing outcomes.

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