Consensus Statements for Clinical Practice in Advanced/Metastatic Colorectal Cancers in India Using a Modified Delphi...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy globally and the fourth most common cancer in Indian men (GLOBOCAN 2020).
• Approximately 30% of patients present with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
• This publication addresses the specific challenges in managing mCRC within the Indian healthcare landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the latest evidence for mCRC management tailored to the Indian context.
• To develop consensus statements for medical oncologists treating mCRC, considering unique national challenges.
• To focus on the recognition, management, and systemic therapeutic approaches for mCRC.

Main Methods:

• A panel of 38 medical oncologists convened in February 2023.
• Evidence review focused on mCRC recognition, management, and systemic therapies.
• Consensus statements were formulated using a literature review and evaluated via the modified Delphi method.

Main Results:

• Fifty-one consensus statements were developed for managing mCRC, including oligometastatic and unresectable cases.
• The statements encompass various systemic therapeutic options.
• Consideration was given to resource-constrained scenarios, including economic factors and drug availability in India.

Conclusions:

• The consensus statements provide practical, evidence-based guidelines for mCRC treatment in India.
• Recommendations are stratified for resource-constrained settings.
• These guidelines aim to improve the management of advanced colorectal cancer in India.