Vol 3, No 6 (2007)
Review paper
Published online: 2008-05-08
Targeted therapy of colorectal cancer patients
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2007;3(6):286-297.
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms in humans. Recently,
introduction of targeted therapy resulted in improved results of the treatment in the group of cancer
patients. To date, agents interfering with angiogenesis and with the activity of epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR) are the most often tested in clinical trials. In the article biological basis of such therapy
and results of clinical trials on the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to the most important
proangiogenic factor - VEGF and mAbs against EGFR are summarized. As for now, the mAbs are
already approved for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients. Other options of new vessel
formation inhibition (eg. interfering with activity of VEGF receptor), a rationale for and efficacy of various
forms of targeted therapy combination (eg. inhibiting of both VEGF and EGFR activity) as well as combination
of targeted treatment with cytotoxic therapy and/or radiation therapy are also discussed. Ongoing
clinical trials on the novel forms of treatment of colorectal cancer patients in adjuvant and palliative settings
are presented in the article.
Keywords: colorectal cancertargeted therapybevacizumabcetuximab