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Cellular signaling pathways implicated in metastasis of colorectal cancer and the associated targeted agents

Xuan Liu1, Qing Ji1, Zhongze Fan2

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.

Future Oncology (London, England)
|September 29, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis is a major cause of death. This review explores novel cellular signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and VEGF that drive CRC progression and potential targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global cause of cancer-related mortality.
  • CRC-related deaths are predominantly linked to metastatic disease.
  • Aberrant cellular signaling pathways are implicated in the development of malignant phenotypes in colorectal tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel cellular signaling pathways involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis.
  • To enhance understanding of CRC progression mechanisms.
  • To discuss targeted agents for CRC pharmacotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cellular signaling pathways in CRC metastasis.
  • Focus on Wnt/β-catenin, p53, COX, TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, Notch, VEGF, and JAKs/STAT3 pathways.
  • Brief discussion of targeted agents based on these pathways.

Main Results:

  • Several key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, p53, COX, TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, Notch, VEGF, JAKs/STAT3) are critically involved in CRC metastasis.
  • These pathways contribute to the acquisition of malignant phenotypes driving cancer progression.
  • Targeted therapeutic strategies are being developed based on these identified pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding aberrant signaling pathways is crucial for combating CRC metastasis.
  • Novel therapeutic targets offer promise for improved CRC treatment and patient outcomes.
  • Further research into these pathways can refine pharmacotherapy for colorectal cancer.
Keywords:
colorectal cancermetastasismolecular mechanismssignaling pathwaystherapeutic agents

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