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Updated: Dec 8, 2025
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Molecular Profiling of the Invasive Tumor Microenvironment in a 3-Dimensional Model of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Ex vivo Fibroblasts
Published on: April 29, 2014
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Molecular Profiling in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Samantha A Armstrong1, Rita Malley1, Benjamin A Weinberg1
1Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|September 23, 2020
Summary
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment is evolving beyond chemotherapy. Understanding tumor molecular profiles and sidedness, including BRAF and KRAS mutations, is crucial for personalized therapy and improved outcomes in mCRC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy.
- Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for metastatic CRC (mCRC).
- mCRC exhibits significant heterogeneity and molecular diversity impacting treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and molecular landscape of mCRC.
- To highlight the prognostic significance of primary tumor location (sidedness).
- To discuss novel targeted treatment options for specific mCRC subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on mCRC.
- Analysis of molecular profiling data (RAS, BRAF, MSI-H, HER2, NTRK).
- Emphasis on tumor sidedness and its implications.
Main Results:
- Right-sided mCRC tumors show higher rates of BRAF/KRAS mutations and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status.
- Right-sided tumors are associated with a poorer prognosis compared to left-sided tumors.
- Comprehensive molecular profiling is essential for guiding mCRC treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Tumor sidedness and molecular characteristics are critical determinants of prognosis and treatment response in mCRC.
- Personalized treatment strategies incorporating targeted agents are improving outcomes for mCRC patients.
- Further research and clinical trials are vital for advancing mCRC therapy.
