Tailored Systemic Therapy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Oct 29;22(21):11780. doi: 10.3390/ijms222111780.

Abstract

Liver metastases are the most common site of metastatic spread in colorectal cancer. Current treatment approaches involve effective systemic therapies in combination with surgical and/or interventional strategies. Multimodal strategies greatly improved clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer over the last decades. Identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers helped to comprehensively refine individual targeted treatment approaches and resulted in median overall survival rates of 30 months or longer. Current guidelines, thus, recommend treatment selection according to patients' performance status, tumor localization and stage as well as the tumor's molecular and genetic status. Here, we outline the latest developments in molecular decision-making for patients with upfront resectable, potentially or initially unresectable and non/never-resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; molecular biomarkers; prediction; prognosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors