Colorectal clinical trials: what is on the horizon?

Future Oncol. 2016 Feb;12(4):525-31. doi: 10.2217/fon.15.327. Epub 2016 Jan 18.

Abstract

Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of colorectal cancer, where more effective therapies have led to improved outcomes in patients with advanced disease. However, the 5-year overall survival rate remains poor. Genomic sequencing has allowed us to understand that colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease, where tumor-specific variants affect the prognosis and outcomes in patients. This has shaped the future directions of treatment and the development of clinical trials, including the incorporation of novel targeted therapies and investigations into the role of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; immunotherapy; next-generation sequencing; targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects