Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Colorectal cancer heterogeneity and targeted therapy: Clinical implications, challenges and solutions for treatment
Zhenhua Zhai1, Xiaohui Yu2, Bin Yang3
1Department of Oncology, Cancer Centre, The First Hospital Affiliated to Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China; The Laboratory of Tumour Angiogenesis and Microenvironment, The First Hospital Affiliated to Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China.
Abstract:
Precision medicine is becoming considerably critical in colorectal cancer therapy. Particularly for targeted therapies, the response to anti-EGFR therapy largely varies among individual patients. The mechanisms of anti-EGFR-based regimens resistance have been revealed, for instance, mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA. It is well known that colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease, massive evidences indicate that there are intertumour and intratumour heterogeneities in colorectal cancer. Recently, the integrative factor of the genetic, epigenetic and microenvironmental alterations that attribute to CRC heterogeneity is associated with the response to targeted therapies. We review here the possible mechanisms of heterogeneity that influence the anti-EGFR therapy, and mainly focus on the enhancive biomarkers detection to predict the therapy efficiency and select appropriate patients who are most likely to benefit from special targeted therapies, and take advantage of simultaneously blocked the multiple molecules involved in activation of independent of ligands induced EGFR signaling pathway to overcome the resistance to anti-EGFR therapies.
Insights
Precision medicine in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy is crucial. Understanding CRC heterogeneity and biomarkers can predict anti-EGFR therapy response and overcome resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment response to anti-EGFR therapy varies significantly among patients.
- Mechanisms of resistance, including KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations, are known.
- CRC is characterized by intertumour and intratumour heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of heterogeneity influencing anti-EGFR therapy in CRC.
- To focus on enhanced biomarker detection for predicting therapy efficiency.
- To identify patients likely to benefit from targeted therapies and overcome resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on CRC heterogeneity and anti-EGFR therapy resistance.
- Analysis of genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors contributing to heterogeneity.
- Exploration of novel biomarker detection strategies.
Main Results:
- CRC heterogeneity, encompassing genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors, impacts anti-EGFR therapy response.
- Biomarker detection can predict therapy efficiency and guide patient selection.
- Simultaneous blockade of multiple molecules in EGFR signaling pathways may overcome resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding CRC heterogeneity is key to optimizing anti-EGFR therapy.
- Enhanced biomarker strategies are essential for personalized CRC treatment.
- Targeting multiple signaling molecules offers a promising approach to combat anti-EGFR resistance.
More Related Videos
08:59Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down
Published on: December 11, 2017
07:29Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
Published on: June 20, 2015
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
02:50Combination 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...