Chemotherapy and targeted treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer

06/2017

MUDr. Jiří Tomášek, Ph.D.

Masarykův onkologický ústav, Brno

SUMMARY

Approximately 40 % of patients with colorectal cancer will develop metastatic disease. Survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer has improved with the introduction of targeted therapies. Survival has also improved with utilization of molecular parameters (oncogens RAS, BRAF) and other factors such as sidedness of the primary tumor. The basics of intensive chemotherapy are regimens based on oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Targeted treatment increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is needed. In brief, we describe the basic strategy of systemic treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer

KEY WORDS

colorectal cancer, chemotherapy, targeted therapy