[Management of metastatic colorectal cancer]

Rev Prat. 2010 Oct 20;60(8):1103-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer has evolved significantly in recent years. Overall survival was significantly increased through the use of irinotecan and oxaliplatin, in combination with 5FU and leucovorin. More recently, new drugs directed against angiogenic factors or against an intracellular signaling pathway have demonstrated their effectiveness: bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor) and cetuximab or panitumumab (inhibitors of EGF receptor) are the first molecules whose effect has been demonstrated in advanced colorectal cancer. Undoubtedly, advances in biology can both identify new targets, and therefore new treatments, but also better define patient groups most likely to get a benefit of these treatments.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / drug therapy*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • ErbB Receptors