Molecular therapies of colorectal cancer where wi

Authors: Gerald Prager

Publish Date: 2013/09/21

Volume: 6, Issue: 3, Pages: 215-219

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Abstract

Until the late 1990’s colorectal cancer had a poor prognosis with a median survival of 12 months for metastatic disease The discovery of molecular mechanisms for malignant transformation tumor growth angiogenesis and metastasis formation have opened an abundance of biologic insights and subsequent therapeutic approaches which have led to improved prognosis in many cancers among them colorectal cancer While inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF either by blocking antibodies or synthetic soluble receptor fragments—the socalled VEGFtraps—have been shown to be beneficial when combined with chemotherapy blocking antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR have revealed cytotoxic activity as monotherapy or in combination with chemical agents Recently the tyrosine kinase inhibitor regorafenib has been shown to be beneficial as a monotherapy in the salvage treatment setting for metastatic colorectal cancer mCRC patients However as major driver mechanisms for malignant transformation in colorectal cancer have so far not been accounted we may expect an abundance of novel therapeutic options in CRC In this review novel promising therapeutic approaches will be outlined

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