1. Implementing anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: challenges and future perspectives.
- Author
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Martinelli E, Ciardiello D, Martini G, Troiani T, Cardone C, Vitiello PP, Normanno N, Rachiglio AM, Maiello E, Latiano T, De Vita F, and Ciardiello F
- Subjects
- Cetuximab therapeutic use, ErbB Receptors genetics, ErbB Receptors metabolism, Humans, Mutation, Panitumumab therapeutic use, Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) genetics, Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology, Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use, Colorectal Neoplasms drug therapy, Colorectal Neoplasms genetics
- Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are valuable therapeutics in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), such as cetuximab or panitumumab, in combination with chemotherapy are effective treatment options for patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC. Nevertheless, several issues are still open concerning the optimal use of anti-EGFR drugs in the continuum of care of mCRC. Novel approaches for increasing the efficacy of anti-EGFR therapies include better molecular selection of EGFR-dependent mCRC, intensification of chemotherapy, combination of anti-EGFR MoAbs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and reintroduction of EGFR blockade or 'rechallenge' in selected patients who have previously responded to anti-EGFR MoAb therapy. An extensive translational research program was conducted in the Cetuximab After Progression in KRAS wIld-type colorectal cancer patients-Gruppo Oncologico dell' Italia Meridionale (CAPRI-GOIM) study with the aims of determining which subgroups of patients could benefit from the continuous inhibition of EGFR, from evaluating the role of liquid biopsy-based and its concordance with tissue-based molecular testing, and from investigating novel potential mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. In this review, we summarize the translational and clinical findings of the CAPRI-GOIM program in the context of the current knowledge of therapeutic strategies and of ongoing research on more appropriate uses of anti-EGFR therapies in RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC patients., (Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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