Molecular Approaches to Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Better Diagnosis - Better Treatment?

Abstract

Molecular diagnostics of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are coming of age. Whereas for many years RAS mutations were the only relevant molecular alterations examined in mCRC, nowadays the BRAF, HER2, and microsatellite instability status of a given tumor is gaining importance, since it has not only prognostic relevance but opens new avenues for therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the recent advances in molecular approaches to mCRC and their therapeutic consequences and discusses novel approaches for molecular diagnostics in mCRC.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Molecular approach; Personalized medicine.

Conflict of interest statement

T.S. acted as consultant or received lecture fees from Bayer, BMS, Sanofi, Merck Serono, Roche, and Novartis outside the submitted work. One of his research projects is supported by Celgene. T.J.E. received travel grants from IPSEN outside the submitted work. He acted as consultant for Bayer, BMS, Sanofi, Merck Serono, Roche, and Novartis outside the submitted work. He received lecture fees from Merck Serono, Sanofi, and Celgene. One of his research projects is supported by Servier. C.S. and F.K. have no possible conflicts of interest to declare.

Copyright © 2019 by S. Karger AG, Basel.