A perspective on emerging therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer: Focusing on molecular medicine and drug resistance

Cell Biochem Funct. 2024 Jan;42(1):e3906. doi: 10.1002/cbf.3906.

Abstract

The majority of cancer cases are colorectal cancer, which is also the second largest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of death for patients with colorectal cancer. Metastatic colorectal cancer incidence are on the rise due to a tiny percentage of tumors developing resistant to medicines despite advances in treatment tactics. Cutting-edge targeted medications are now the go-to option for customized and all-encompassing CRC care. Specifically, multitarget kinase inhibitors, antivascular endothelial growth factors, and epidermal growth factor receptors are widely used in clinical practice for CRC-targeted treatments. Rare targets in metastatic colorectal cancer are becoming more well-known due to developments in precision diagnostics and the extensive use of second-generation sequencing technology. These targets include the KRAS mutation, the BRAF V600E mutation, the HER2 overexpression/amplification, and the MSI-H/dMMR. Incorporating certain medications into clinical trials has significantly increased patient survival rates, opening new avenues and bringing fresh viewpoints for treating metastatic colorectal cancer. These focused therapies change how cancer is treated, giving patients new hope and better results. These markers can significantly transform and individualize therapy regimens. They could open the door to precisely customized and more effective medicines, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The fast-growing body of knowledge regarding the molecular biology of colorectal cancer and the latest developments in gene sequencing and molecular diagnostics are directly responsible for this advancement.

Keywords: CRC; angiogenesis; drug resistance; metastasis; personalized medicine; tissue-based biomarkers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Drug Resistance
  • Humans
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Quality of Life