Metastatic colorectal cancer: role of target therapies and future perspectives.

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Metastatic colorectal cancer: role of target therapies and future perspectives.

Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2017 Feb 08;:

Authors: Nappi A, Berretta M, Romano C, Tafuto S, Cassata A, Casaretti R, Silvestro L, De Divitiis C, Alessandrini L, Fiorica F, Ottaiano A, Nasti G

Abstract
Today, we are experiencing a real cultural revolution in the therapeutic approach to cancer of the colon - rectum, that, by orphan disease, it is now becoming an important paradigm of scientific innovations and concepts. Survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (m-CRC) has been significantly improved with the introduction of the monoclonal antibodies that have as target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Novel agents such as aflibercept and regorafenib have recently been approved. The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in cancer is implicated in tumors escaping immune destruction and is a promising therapeutic target. The development of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 agents marks a new era in the treatment of cancer with immunotherapies. Early clinical experience has shown encouraging activity of these agents in a variety of tumors, and further results are eagerly awaited from completed and ongoing studies. The aim of this mini review is to summarize and assess the effects of molecular agents in m-CRC based on the available phase II and III trials, pooled analyses, and meta-analyses/systematic reviews. We can say that, among the various treatment options, the challenge of the future will be a better selection of the population, to ensure the best possible benefit from treatment with anti-VEGF drugs or anti-EGFR and a careful and customized planning of the therapeutic strategy for each patient .

PMID: 28183254 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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