Emerging drugs for colorectal cancer

Background: The past 5 years have shown major advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Our understanding of existing drugs, such as oxaliplatin and irinotecan, has become more refined. The incorporation of newer drugs such as bevacizumab and cetuximab has expanded treatment options as well. Objective: Our goals are to review the evidence for currently approved drugs, with particular attention to the most recent studies highlighting the ideal conditions for each. In addition, we discuss current areas of investigation particularly, specific pathway inhibitors - that are most relevant for colorectal cancer. Methods: We have used existing literature as well as abstracts and oral presentations from ASCO and AACR meetings. Results/conclusion: We report current thinking on the use of existing drugs, and present the most promising novel pathway inhibitors that are now being developed for colorectal cancer.