title: Targeted therapy in colorectal cancer: current status and future challenges.
abstract: Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has progressed significantly over the last years, particularly with the introduction of targeted therapies. Two groups of agents targeting either the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been integrated into clinical practice. Currently available agents with established role include the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) cetuximab / panitumumab and the anti-VEGF mAb bevacizumab. This review presents an update on the clinical studies evaluating the role of anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF agents in mCRC. Moreover, we provide current data regarding the mechanism of action and pathways mediating resistance to these agents. In addition, we present recent data with respect to biomarkers and we discuss future therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Patras Medical School, Rion 26504, Greece. angkoutr@otenet.gr
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Koutras
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Starakis
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kyriakopoulou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Katsaounis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nikolakopoulos
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Kalofonos
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D066246:ErbB Receptors