Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Current Standards and Novel Agents in Review

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTreatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer continue to advance as the therapeutic implications of the molecular subtypes of this disease are becoming better understood. DNA sequencing and mismatch repair assessment are now standard of care analyses for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer This review describes important aspects of the biology of the clinically relevant molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer based on the current standard of care testing. In addition, the clinical treatment strategies available now and potentially in the future for these colorectal cancer subtypes are discussed.Recent FindingsCurrently, for metastatic colorectal cancer, standard of care molecular testing is done for mutations in exons 2, 3, and 4 ofKRAS andNRAS, andBRAF V600E. Testing for mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency/microsatellite instability (MSI) status is also done. These aberrations are well known to change the clinical prognosis and guide patients ’ treatment strategies. Additionally, three new subtypes have emerged:PIK3CAmut,HER2 amplified, andNTRK fusions. With the addition of these emerging subtypes, tumor heterogeneity further validates the need to examine mCRC as a heterogeneous disease. Here, we present recent exciting data from translational research and clinical trials exhibiting possible distinct treatment strategies for these different subtypes.SummaryAltogether, these data show promising treatment strategies for many o...

Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - March 19, 2019 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research