Targeted therapy of colorectal cancer patients

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms in humans. Recently, introduction of targeted therapy resulted in improved results of the treatment in the group of cancer patients. To date, agents interfering with angiogenesis and with the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are the most often tested in clinical trials. In the article biological basis of such therapy and results of clinical trials on the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to the most important proangiogenic factor - VEGF and mAbs against EGFR are summarized. As for now, the mAbs are already approved for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients. Other options of new vessel formation inhibition (eg. interfering with activity of VEGF receptor), a rationale for and efficacy of various forms of targeted therapy combination (eg. inhibiting of both VEGF and EGFR activity) as well as combination of targeted treatment with cytotoxic therapy and/or radiation therapy are also discussed. Ongoing clinical trials on the novel forms of treatment of colorectal cancer patients in adjuvant and palliative settings are presented in the article.