title: Biomarkers and targeted therapeutics in colorectal cancer.
abstract: The development of colorectal cancer is characterized by a multitude of molecular events that can occur through the pathways of loss of heterozygosity, microsatellite instability, and CpG-island methylation. The accumulation of these molecular events ultimately results in polyps formed from previously normal mucosa to develop the fundamental characteristics of cancerization: uncontrolled proliferation, growth, and invasion. Advances in the understanding of molecular events leading to colorectal cancer have led to the development of biomarkers, patient-specific and tumor-specific molecular signatures that have potential as tools for accurate risk assessment, personalized treatment planning, development of targeted agents, and evaluation of treatment response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, McGill University, 687 Pine Avenue West, Room S7.30, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada.
authors.forename: Ari N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Meguerditchian
authors.forename: Kelli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bullard Dunn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: APC; CPG-island methylation; Colorectal cancer; Loss of heterozygosity; Microsatellite instability; Molecular biology; p53