Emerging drug targets for colon cancer: A preclinical assessment
Madison M Crutcher1, Trevor R Baybutt2, Jessica S Kopenhaver2
1Departments of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Introduction:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. There have been improvements in screening, and therefore overall survival, but patients continue to present at late stages when minimal treatment options are available to them. While some targeted therapies have been introduced, their application is limited by patient-specific tumor characteristics. Additional targets for CRC in patients who present at a late stage, or who experience tumor relapse, need to be identified to continue to improve patient outcomes.
Areas Covered:
This review focuses on emerging pathways and drug targets for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The shift to the cancer stem cell model and potential targets involving Wnt, NF-κB, phosphodiesterases, RAS, and guanylyl cyclase C, are discussed. The current utility of checkpoint inhibitors and evolving immunological options are examined.
Expert Opinion:
Surgery and current systemic cytotoxic therapies are inadequate to appropriately treat the full spectrum of CRC, especially in those patients who present with metastatic or treatment-refractory disease. In addition to the identification of new, more generalizable targets, additional focus is being placed on novel administrations. Immuno-oncologic options and stem cell-targeting therapies for mCRC will become available to patients and may increase survival.
Insights
New therapeutic targets are crucial for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). This review explores emerging pathways and stem cell-targeting therapies to improve outcomes for patients with late-stage or relapsed CRC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer death, with many patients diagnosed at late stages.
- Current treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, are insufficient for metastatic or refractory CRC.
- Limited efficacy of existing targeted therapies necessitates the identification of new treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging pathways and drug targets for colorectal cancer treatment.
- To discuss the role of the cancer stem cell model in CRC therapy.
- To examine novel immuno-oncologic and stem cell-targeting approaches for advanced CRC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on colorectal cancer pathways and therapies.
- Analysis of emerging drug targets, including Wnt, NF-κB, phosphodiesterases, RAS, and guanylyl cyclase C.
- Evaluation of cancer stem cell models and immuno-oncologic strategies.
Main Results:
- Several key pathways (Wnt, NF-κB, phosphodiesterases, RAS, guanylyl cyclase C) show potential as therapeutic targets.
- Cancer stem cell-targeting therapies offer a promising avenue for treatment.
- Checkpoint inhibitors and evolving immunological options are being investigated for their utility.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic targets and administration strategies are essential for improving outcomes in advanced CRC.
- Immuno-oncologic and stem cell-targeting therapies hold promise for increasing survival in metastatic CRC.
- Continued research into new targets is vital for overcoming treatment resistance in colorectal cancer.
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