Recent advances in targeted therapies for colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background: Recent advances in the molecular biology and genetics of colorectal cancer have led to the identification of potential therapeutic targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelial receptors.

Objective: This review will examine the major therapeutic advances along with the preclinical basis justifying their combination with conventional therapeutic tools. This review will also critically consider current possibilities offered to identify responding patients.

Data sources: Preclinical and primary clinical trial results published in peer-review journals. The authors examined the relevance and subsequent inclusion of the data.

Conclusions: Cetuximab and bevacizumab provide new benefits in terms of the response rate and survival. There remain, however, important questions concerning, for instance, optimal combinations between conventional cytotoxic agents and targeted therapies and also between targeted drugs themselves. These new targeted treatments are costly and in this context the question of the identification of the right drug for the right patient is particularly relevant. Adequate tools in predicting the efficacy of targeted treatments are still needed.