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

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.

Vol 7, No 4 (2011)

REVIEW ARTICLES

Published online: 2011-10-26

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

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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Keywords

colorectal cancer; predictive factors; molecular markers

About this article

Title

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

Journal

Oncology in Clinical Practice

Issue

Vol 7, No 4 (2011)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

224-229

Published online

2011-10-26

Page views

726

Article views/downloads

7562

Bibliographic record

Onkol. Prak. Klin 2011;7(4):224-229.

Keywords

colorectal cancer
predictive factors
molecular markers

Authors

Aleksandra Łacko
Marcin Ekiert
Katarzyna Soter