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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
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Current and future targets and therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer

Miljana Dzunic1, Ivan Petkovic, Ana Cvetanovic

  • 1Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Center Nis, Serbia.

Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology
|December 2, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment is advancing with targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Liquid biopsy aids in tracking molecular changes for personalized treatment strategies in mCRC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
  • Metastatic CRC (mCRC) presents a poor prognosis despite treatment advances.
  • The molecular heterogeneity of CRC necessitates personalized therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and emerging targeted therapies for mCRC.
  • To discuss strategies for overcoming resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy.
  • To highlight the potential of novel agents and diagnostic tools in mCRC management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current and clinical trial data on mCRC treatments.
  • Analysis of molecular targets and resistance mechanisms in CRC.
  • Evaluation of the role of emerging technologies like liquid biopsy.

Main Results:

  • Antiangiogenic agents are beneficial in mCRC treatment.
  • Targeted therapies for BRAF-mutant and HER2-positive mCRC are emerging.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors show efficacy in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-high) mCRC.

Conclusions:

  • Personalized medicine, driven by molecular profiling, is crucial for improving mCRC outcomes.
  • Emerging targeted agents and immunotherapies offer new hope for mCRC patients.
  • Liquid biopsy can facilitate real-time monitoring of molecular evolution and guide treatment adjustments in mCRC.

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