Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: March 14, 2019
[Treatment Strategy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Genetic Testing for Colorectal Cancer with Microsatellite
Kentaro Yamazaki1, Takeshi Kawakami, Hiromitsu Shirasu
1Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center.
Abstract:
Recently, pembrolizumab have been approved for advanced solid tumor with microsatellite instability-high, and nivolumab including combination therapy with ipilimumab for colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability-high, and usefulness of those 3 checkpoint inhibitors have been paid attention. Genetic testing is essential for selecting molecular-targeted drugs in colorectal cancer; however, the type of tests and their optimal timing are becoming more complicated. Hence, this article reviews the gene mutation tests used for advanced colorectal cancer, the molecular mechanism of colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability-high, the clinical development status of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and the future perspective on treatment strategy.
Insights
Immune checkpoint inhibitors show promise for advanced colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability-high. Genetic testing is crucial for personalized treatment strategies involving these therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment is evolving with targeted therapies.
- Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) is a key biomarker in CRC.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like pembrolizumab and nivolumab demonstrate efficacy in MSI-H tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review gene mutation tests for advanced CRC.
- To explain the molecular mechanisms of MSI-H CRC.
- To discuss the clinical development and future strategies for ICIs in CRC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of gene mutation tests in advanced CRC.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying MSI-H CRC.
- Review of clinical trial data for ICIs in MSI-H CRC.
Main Results:
- Pembrolizumab approved for advanced solid tumors with MSI-H.
- Nivolumab, alone or with ipilimumab, approved for MSI-H CRC.
- Genetic testing complexity impacts treatment selection.
Conclusions:
- Genetic testing is essential for selecting molecular-targeted drugs in advanced CRC.
- Understanding MSI-H mechanisms is key to ICI efficacy.
- Future strategies will integrate ICIs and personalized medicine for CRC.
