Targeted therapy in colorectal carcinoma: more than a theory.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review was to examine clinical trial data reporting the use of targeted therapies in colorectal cancer.


METHODS
Candidate trials were identified by a comprehensive literature search.


RESULTS
The data on the use of targeted therapies; usually combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer is accumulating rapidly. These new agents will increasingly become incorporated into standard treatment schedules.


CONCLUSIONS
Targeted therapy has moved rapidly from the laboratory to the clinic and is opening up potentially new and exciting areas for the development of the systemic treatment of colorectal cancer.
Pickering
L
L
Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK.
Rudman
S
S
Ross
P J
PJ
Leslie
M D
MD
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000068818:Cetuximab; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000068818:Cetuximab