Biomarker-driven studies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Challenges and opportunities Journal Article


Authors: Van Cutsem, E.; Prager, G.; Sargent, D.; Byrne, A. T.; Huber, H. J.; Middleton, G.; Khan, K.; De Mattos-Arruda, L.; Seufferlein, T.
Article Title: Biomarker-driven studies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Challenges and opportunities
Abstract: The search for molecular biomarkers that predict the likely response to targeted treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has yielded many promising candidates, yet only the (K)RAS mutation has so far been incorporated into clinical practice. Other promising biomarkers of response to anti-angiogenic agents and the multikinase inhibitor, regorafenib, are currently under investigation in ongoing studies. While a growing understanding of cancer signaling pathways in mCRC presents multiple opportunities for the development of tumor-targeted therapies, inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic process of tumor evolution during treatment present major challenges to biomarker research and drug development. Overcoming these challenges requires the application of novel approaches to the assessment of biomarkers and innovative clinical trials that employ statistical approaches that maximize efficiency and minimize exposure to underperforming treatments. Ongoing, contemporary biomarker-driven studies in mCRC have already yielded salient lessons that will inform the design of future studies. These will also benefit from the combined expertise of major research consortia using systems biology approaches to the identification and validation of predictive biomarkers in mCRC. With such a powerful global commitment to biomarker research in mCRC, there seems little doubt that before too long, new predictive biomarkers will be available to help guide clinical decision-making in mCRC, ensuring the right treatment is selected for the right patient at the right time. � 2014 Optimal Clinical (Doctors. MD).
Keywords: mitogen activated protein kinase; treatment response; review; sensitivity and specificity; biomarkers; biological marker; carcinoembryonic antigen; tumor biopsy; protein tyrosine kinase; excision repair cross complementing protein 1; tumor marker; fibroblast growth factor 2; scatter factor; vasculotropin a; clinical decision making; k ras protein; b raf kinase; epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor; plasma protein; scatter factor receptor; personalized medicine; circulating tumor cell; randomized controlled trial (topic); phase 2 clinical trial (topic); phase 3 clinical trial (topic); metastatic colorectal cancer; phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate 3 kinase; human; angiopredict; focus4; oncotrack; prospect-r; spectacolor
Journal Title: Journal of OncoPathology
Volume: 2
Issue: 4
ISSN: 2052-5931
Publisher: Optimal Clinical Ltd.  
Date Published: 2014-12-01
Start Page: 37
End Page: 45
Language: English
DOI: 10.13032/tjop.2052-5931.100113
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 2 April 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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