Activation of signal pathways and the resistance to anti-EGFR treatment in colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. It is caused by alterations of multiple signal pathways which are affected by both genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, EGFR is important in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer suggesting anti-EGFR therapy may be a potential treatment option. However, in other cases it is not effective, which may be related to its down-stream targeted gene mutations. KRAS is highly emphasized in the literature but other mutations like Src, PIK3CA, and BRAF may also be important. Furthermore, obesity may decrease the effectiveness of anti-EGFR treatment as it increases the risk factors for colorectal cancer. Using next-generation sequencing technology, it may be possible to identify all gene mutations in an individual with colorectal cancer. Therefore, gene mutations affecting anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer patients can be identified.
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, NSW 2522, Australia. jiezhong@uow.edu.au
Jiezhong
J
Chen
Xu-Feng
XF
Huang
Andrew
A
Katsifis
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*
D066246:ErbB Receptors