Title:Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Role of Target Therapies and Future Perspectives
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Anna Nappi, Massimiliano Berretta, Carmela Romano, Salvatore Tafuto, Antonino Cassata, Rossana Casaretti, Lucrezia Silvestro, Chiara De Divitiis, Lara Alessandrini, Francesco Fiorica, Alessandro Ottaiano and Guglielmo Nasti*
Affiliation:Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute of Aviano, 33081 Aviano (PN), Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Division of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Aviano (PN), Division of Radiotherapy, , Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli, Medical Oncology, Abdominal Department, National Cancer Institute G. Pascale Foundation, 80131 Napoli
Keywords:Colorectal cancer, monoclonal antibodies, target therapy, treatment, anti-VEGF drugs, anti-EGFR.
Abstract:Today, we are experiencing a real cultural revolution in the therapeutic approach to cancer
of the colon - rectum, that by orphan disease, it is now becoming an important paradigm of scientific
innovations and concepts.
Survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (m-CRC) has been significantly improved with
the introduction of the monoclonal antibodies that have as target the vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in cancer is implicated in tumors escaping immune destruction. This pathway
is up -regulated in many tumours. Blockade of this pathway with anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 agents
has led to remarkable clinical responses in patients affected by many different types of cancer.
The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of addiction of biological agents to standard chemotherapy
in the treatment of m-CRC.
We can say that, among the various treatment options, the challenge of the future will be a better selection
of the population, to ensure the best possible benefit from treatment with anti-VEGF drugs or
anti-EGFR and a careful and customized planning of the therapeutic strategy for each patient.