Beyond 5-fluorouracil: new horizons in systemic therapy for advanced colorectal cancer

Abstract

Worldwide, colorectal cancer is a common cancer and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients frequently present with, or later develop, metastatic disease. Median survival with supportive care alone is approximately 6 - 8 months. However, a number of recent developments have greatly increased the range of therapeutic options, improving median survival to > 20 months. Cytotoxic agents such as capecitabine, irinotecan and oxaliplatin are now established treatment strategies. In parallel, an improved understanding of tumour biology has led to the development of non-cytotoxic targeted therapies. Examples include bevacizumab (targeting tumour angiogenesis) and cetuximab (targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor). These agents have recently been incorporated into standard management. This paper reviews these and other advances in the care of patients with advanced colorectal cancer and discusses a number of agents that are currently under development.