[Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancers].
We review recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. In diagnosis, the detection of the APC gene mutation in stool samples has had a strong impact because of its practical usage for mass screening. Several reports have indicated that the molecular detection of a very small number of cancer cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes yields adequate information on recurrent disease. Several new markers were reported as a significant indicators of cancer development, invasion, or metastasis. In treatment, determination of microsatellite instability may be useful to select good candidates for 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. New molecular targets have been reported, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, etc. Gene therapy with p53 or FHIT had undergone successful clinical trials. Tumor-specific immunotherapy with dendritic cell vaccination has also been achieved. In conclusion, many efforts to overcome colorectal cancer will soon open new therapeutic windows.
Mimori
Koshi
K
Department of Surgery, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Beppu, Japan.
Mori
Masaki
M
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017491:Genes, APC; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D009154:Mutation
D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D005472:Fluorouracil