Biomarker-driven and molecular targeted therapies for colorectal cancers

Semin Oncol. 2018 Jun;45(3):124-132. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jul 4.

Abstract

Improved clinical selection and identification of new molecules and innovative strategies have widened treatment options and increased overall survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients in recent years. Biomarker-driven therapies represent an emerging issue in this field and new targeted treatments are under investigation and probably will be soon adopted into daily clinical practice. In the present review, the role RAS, BRAF mutations, Her2 amplification, microsatellite instability, and CpG island methylator phenotype are discussed according to their possible roles as prognostic, predictive markers, as well as possible biomarker-driven treatment options.

Keywords: BRAF; CpG island methylator phenotype; HER2; Microsatellite instability; RAS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Humans
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Mutation
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • ras Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • ras Proteins