In this analysis, we examined the efficacy, feasibility, and limitations of molecular-based targeted therapies in heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients after failure of all standard treatments. In this single-center, real-world retrospective analysis of our platform for precision medicine, we mapped the molecular profiles of 60 mCRC patients. Tumor samples of the patients were analyzed using next-generation sequencing panels of mutation hotspots, microsatellite instability testing, and immunohistochemistry. All profiles were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team to provide a targeted treatment recommendation after consensus discussion. In total, we detected 166 mutations in 53 patients. The five most frequently found mutations were TP53, KRAS, APC, PIK3CA, and PTEN. In 28 cases (47% of all patients), a molecularly targeted therapy could be recommended. Eventually, 12 patients (20%) received the recommended therapy. Six patients (10%) had a clinical benefit. The median time to treatment failure was 3.1 months. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of using targeted therapies in daily clinical practice for heavily pretreated mCRC patients. This could be used as a targeted treatment option in half of the patients.
Keywords: colorectal cancer; molecular oncology; molecular profiling; precision medicine; targeted therapy.