Selection of biologics for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: the role of predictive markers

Abstract

With the advent of biologics, the survival and quality of life of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has improved. These agents include anti-VEGF agents (bevacizumab/aflibercept), anti-EGFR antibodies (panitumumab/cetuximab) and regorafenib (an oral multi-kinase inhibitor). With the use of the novel therapeutics, there was a notable increase in the median survival of patients with mCRC; however, there are still several unmet needs with the use of novel therapeutics in mCRC. The focus of this editorial is to highlight some of these issues alongside results of some of the important clinical trials and other studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting last year.

Keywords: EGFR; RAS; VEGF; aflibercept; bevacizumab; biologics; cetuximab; metastatic colorectal cancer; panitumumab; regorafenib.