Zhu M, Benson AB. An update on pharmacotherapies for colorectal cancer: 2023 and beyond.
Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024;
25:91-99. [PMID:
38224000 DOI:
10.1080/14656566.2024.2304654]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is difficult, and mCRC has a survival rate of only 13-17% compared with 70-90% in locoregional CRC. There is ongoing research effort on pharmacotherapy for CRC to improve the treatment outcome.
AREAS COVERED
We reviewed the current literature and ongoing clinical trials on CRC pharmacotherapy, with a focus on targeted therapy based on the results of genetic testing. The pharmacotherapies covered in this article include novel agents targeting EGFR and EGFR-related pathways, agents targeting the VEGF pathway, immunotherapy options depending on the MMR/MSI status, and new therapies targeting genetic fusions such as NTRK. We also briefly discuss the value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in treatment selection and response monitoring.
EXPERT OPINION
We advocate for the early and routine use of NGS to genetically characterize CRC to assist with pharmacotherapy selection. Targeted therapy is a promising field of ongoing research and improves CRC treatment outcome.
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