Targeted therapies in the treatment of colorectal cancers.
BACKGROUND
In solid organ malignancies, no tumor type has seen a greater impact from the development of novel targeted therapies in 2004 than metastatic colorectal cancer.


METHODS
We review the current progress to date with the use of monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer and look at newer therapies under investigation.


RESULTS
Two monoclonal antibodies received Food and Drug Administration approval in early 2004, both for the indication of advanced, metastatic colorectal cancer. A large, randomized, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that the addition of a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, bevacizumab, led to a statistically significant improvement in overall survival, with tolerable additional toxicity. Chimeric monoclonal antibody therapy directed at the epidermal growth factor receptor was associated with radiographic responses in a significant minority of patients with irinotecan-refractory colon cancer in a randomized phase II study of patients with irinotecan-refractory disease.


CONCLUSIONS
These dramatic successes have led to further clinical studies of targeted therapy in colorectal cancer, making it one of the most promising areas of cancer research.
Alekshun
Todd
T
Medical Oncology/Hematology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612-9797, USA.
Garrett
Chris
C
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077544:Panitumumab; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000077544:Panitumumab; D000068818:Cetuximab