Vol 7, No 4 (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-10-26
Molecular predictive markers in the treatment of colorectal cancer with monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
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
Onkol. Prak. Klin. 2011; 7, 4: 224–229
Keywords: colorectal cancerpredictive factorsmolecular markers