1. Targeted therapy in colorectal cancer: current status and future challenges
- Author
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Ioannis Starakis, Achilleas Nikolakopoulos, U. Kyriakopoulou, H. P. Kalofonos, Angelos Koutras, and P. Katsaounis
- Subjects
Oncology ,Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Bevacizumab ,Colorectal cancer ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Antineoplastic Agents ,Biochemistry ,Targeted therapy ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Internal medicine ,Drug Discovery ,medicine ,Panitumumab ,Humans ,Epidermal growth factor receptor ,Molecular Targeted Therapy ,Neoplasm Metastasis ,Pharmacology ,biology ,Cetuximab ,business.industry ,Organic Chemistry ,Cancer ,medicine.disease ,Vascular endothelial growth factor ,ErbB Receptors ,chemistry ,Immunology ,biology.protein ,Molecular Medicine ,business ,Colorectal Neoplasms ,medicine.drug ,Forecasting - Abstract
Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has progressed significantly over the last years, particularly with the introduction of targeted therapies. Two groups of agents targeting either the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been integrated into clinical practice. Currently available agents with established role include the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) cetuximab / panitumumab and the anti-VEGF mAb bevacizumab. This review presents an update on the clinical studies evaluating the role of anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF agents in mCRC. Moreover, we provide current data regarding the mechanism of action and pathways mediating resistance to these agents. In addition, we present recent data with respect to biomarkers and we discuss future therapeutic strategies.
- Published
- 2010