Overview of predictive and prognostic biomarkers and their importance in developing a clinical pharmacology treatment plan in colorectal cancer patients.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2022

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although overall survival for CRC patients has improved with earlier screening, survival continues to vary substantially across stages. Also, while the introduction of targeted therapies, including VEGF and EGFR inhibitors, has contributed to improving survival, better tools are needed to optimize patient selection and maximize therapeutic benefits. Emerging biomarkers can be used to guide pharmacologic decision-making, as well as monitor treatment response, clarify the need for adjuvant therapies, and indicate early signs of recurrence. This is a narrative review examining the current and evolving use of predictive and prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer.

AREAS COVERED: Areas covered include mutations of the MAPK (KRAS, BRAF) and HER2 pathways and their impacts on treatment decisions. In addition, novel methods for assessing tumor mutations and tracking treatment responses are examined.

EXPERT OPINION: The standard of care pathway for staging, and treatment selection and surveillance, of CRC will expand to include novel biomarkers in the next 5 years. It is anticipated that these new biomarkers will assist in decision-making regarding selection of targeted therapies and, importantly, in risk stratification for treatment decisions in patients at high risk for recurrence.

Volume

15

Issue

11

First Page

1317

Last Page

1326

ISSN

1751-2441

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

36259230

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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