[New perspectives in predicting response to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer]

In the last few years, major advances have been produced in knowledge of the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, which have led to the development of new drugs for the treatment of this disease. Likewise, molecular markers have been identified that are useful in prognosis. However, decisions on adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer continue to be based exclusively on histological stage. Distinct markers that can be detected in tumoral tissue may be useful in predicting response to antineoplastic drugs. The present article reviews the possible clinical utility of these markers and their role in decision-making in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.