Accuracy of Predefined Hypotheses in Colon Cancer Adjuvant Phase III Trials: Observations and Recommendations
Abstract
Adjuvant colon cancer trials compare survival of patients receiving either a standard, approved regimen or a new investigational treatment after curative surgical resection of tumor. The target accrual of trials is on the basis of the statistical power required to reveal survival benefit, and depends on predefined hypotheses regarding the expected results for the control group and the differences in treatment effects between the control and the investigational group. In this review we assess the validity of predefined hypotheses in phase III adjuvant trials of colon cancer treatment published b...
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - September 1, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Optimization of the Development of Old and New EGFR and MAP Kinase Inhibitors for Colorectal Cancer
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signaling pathways are crucially important in the biology of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the past few years, EGFR kinase and its major downstream effector, the RAS/RAF/MAPK/ERK pathway, have been attractive targets for development of new therapy for treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC). Cetuximab and panitumumab, two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the EGFR, are the first targeted agents approved as personalized medicine for treatment of mCRC. Recently, inhibition of MEK1/2 has been seen as a promising approach for blocking MAPK-...
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - September 1, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Optimization of Patient Selection for Surgical Approach to Peritoneal Metastases from Gastrointestinal Cancer Using Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Chemotherapy
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer can metastasize by hematogenous routes to the liver, by lymphatic channels to regional lymph nodes, and by penetration of the bowel wall to the peritoneal surfaces. For patients who have isolated peritoneal metastases, a new management plan with curative intent has evolved over the last 30 years. Now patients with peritoneal dissemination are evaluated by the multidisciplinary team for treatment by cytoreductive surgery plus perioperative chemotherapy. Major progress in the treatment of peritoneal metastases has occurred as a result of more clearly defined selection cri...
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - September 1, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Vitamin D for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: What is the Evidence?
Abstract
Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent in the U.S., particularly among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. These low levels of vitamin D are concerning given increasing evidence that vitamin D may have health benefits beyond skeletal outcomes. Prospective observational studies suggest that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower risk of incident CRC and improved survival for patients with established CRC, and randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to establish causality. Moreover, there remains a great need to improve prognosis for patients with CRC, and investigating vitam...
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - September 1, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Erratum to: Do We Need another Antiangiogenesis Agent for Colorectal Cancer: are Bevacizumab and Aflibercept the Same?
(Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports)
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - September 1, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
DNA Methylation and Colorectal Cancer
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major cancers in the world and the second death-causing cancer in the USA. CRC development involves genetic and epigenetic alterations. Changes in DNA methylation status are believed to be involved at different stages of CRC. Promoter silencing via DNA methylation and hypomethylation of oncogenes alters gene expression and can be used as a tool for the early detection of colonic lesions. DNA methylation use as a diagnostic and prognostic marker has been described for many cancers including CRC. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is one of the underlying C...
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - August 31, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
