Vol 7, No 4 (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-10-26

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Molecular predictive markers in the treatment of colorectal cancer with monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)

Aleksandra Łacko, Marcin Ekiert, Katarzyna Soter
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2011;7(4):224-229.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the second common cancer in Poland. Treatment of metastatic disease remains a major problem, with poor overall survival of about 18 to 20 months. In recent years, treatment results of advanced disease substantially improved due to the availability of new and more effective chemotherapeutic and molecular targeted agents. Cetuximab and panitumumab, monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in the last 5 years have been effectively used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. As their activity in general population is limited, financial costs and morbidity are substantial, there is a need to optimize patients selection. Molecular markers serve as important tools for predicting benefits from the treatment. Unfortunately, despite extensive research, only KRAS — powerful negative predictive marker has been validated and accepted into routine clinical practice in colorectal cancer patients. Numerous potential biomarkers such as BRAF, NRAS, PTEN, PI3KCA, EGFR polisomy and amplification, EGFR ligands are investigated, and some of the studies show promising results.
Onkol. Prak. Klin. 2011; 7, 4: 224–229

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