[Biotherapy in colorectal cancer]

Abstract

Strategies for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer must take into account the contribution of monoclonal antibodies. A group of new efficient tools in oncology, these drugs target tumor antigens. Bevacizumab recognizes VEGF. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator in angiogenesis. This antibody combined with chemotherapy increases the survival of patients treated for metastatic colorectal cancer. Median survival of patients treated with antibodies and chemotherapy is 20 months, compared with only 15 months for patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds competitively and with high affinity to the EGF receptor. Cetuximab is currently approved for use in patients with pretreated colorectal cancer. EGF is a major cell growth factor. The side effects of these new biotherapies are different from chemotherapy: bevacizumab affects vascular elements and the most common side effect of anti-EGFR treatment is acneiform skin rash.