Targeted therapy in advanced metastatic colorectal cancer: current concepts and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatments have advanced with cytotoxic agents and targeted therapies.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling inhibitors have improved clinical outcomes in mCRC.
• Treatment resistance and disease progression remain significant challenges in mCRC management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current clinical data on VEGF and EGFR targeting regimens in mCRC.
• To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting peptide receptors and growth factors implicated in CRC growth.
• To summarize experimental investigations of antagonistic analogs and cytotoxic peptides for CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of clinical trials and experimental studies.
• Analysis of data on VEGF and EGFR targeting agents in mCRC.
• Summary of research on GI peptides, growth factors, and neuropeptides in CRC.
• Review of experimental data on peptide-based therapies for CRC.

Main Results:

• VEGF and EGFR targeting therapies offer temporary benefits in mCRC, often followed by resistance.
• Several GI peptides (gastrin, GRP), growth factors (IGF-I, IGF-II), and neuropeptides (GHRH) are implicated in CRC growth.
• Experimental approaches using antagonistic analogs and targeted cytotoxic peptides show promise for CRC treatment.

Conclusions:

• Despite advances, resistance to current mCRC therapies necessitates the development of new treatment strategies.
• Targeting peptide receptors with specific analogs and cytotoxic peptides represents a promising avenue for future CRC therapies.
• Further research into the role of GI peptides and growth factors could unveil new therapeutic targets for mCRC.