Precision Medicine for the Management of Therapy Refractory Colorectal Cancer

Hossein Taghizadeh1,2, Robert M Mader1,2, Leonhard Müllauer2,3

  • 1Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.

Insights

Molecularly targeted therapies show feasibility for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. A significant portion could receive targeted treatments, with some experiencing clinical benefit.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Precision Medicine

Background:

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients often exhaust standard treatments.
  • Identifying effective therapies for heavily pretreated mCRC is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and limitations of molecular-based targeted therapies in heavily pretreated mCRC.
  • To assess the utility of a precision medicine platform for treatment recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 60 mCRC patients.
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels, microsatellite instability (MSI) testing, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for molecular profiling.
  • Multidisciplinary team review for targeted therapy recommendations.

Main Results:

  • 166 mutations detected in 53 patients; TP53, KRAS, APC, PIK3CA, and PTEN were most frequent.
  • Targeted therapy recommended for 47% (28/60) of patients.
  • 20% (12/60) received recommended therapy, with 10% (6/60) showing clinical benefit.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular profiling and targeted therapies are feasible in clinical practice for heavily pretreated mCRC.
  • Approximately half of mCRC patients may be candidates for targeted treatment options.
  • Further investigation into optimizing targeted therapy selection and outcomes is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
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...
5.6K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.5K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.1K
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
305