Progress of research on molecular targeted therapies for colorectal cancer

Shilin Huang; Jiazhou Ye; Xing Gao; Xi Huang; Julu Huang; Lu Lu; Cheng Lu; Yongqiang Li; Min Luo; Mingzhi Xie; Yan Lin; Rong Liang

doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1160949

Progress of research on molecular targeted therapies for colorectal cancer

Front Pharmacol. 2023 Aug 8:14:1160949. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1160949. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Shilin Huang¹, Jiazhou Ye², Xing Gao¹, Xi Huang¹, Julu Huang², Lu Lu¹, Cheng Lu², Yongqiang Li¹, Min Luo¹, Mingzhi Xie¹, Yan Lin¹, Rong Liang¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Digestive Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China.
² Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, accounting for approximately 10% of global cancer incidence and mortality. Approximately 20% of patients with CRC present metastatic disease (mCRC) at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, up to 50% of patients with localized disease eventually metastasize. mCRC encompasses a complex cascade of reactions involving multiple factors and processes, leading to a diverse array of molecular mechanisms. Improved comprehension of the pathways underlying cancer cell development and proliferation, coupled with the accessibility of relevant targeted agents, has propelled advancements in CRC treatment, ultimately leading to enhanced survival rates. Mutations in various pathways and location of the primary tumor in CRC influences the efficacy of targeted agents. This review summarizes available targeted agents for different CRC pathways, with a focus on recent advances in anti-angiogenic and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents, BRAF mutations, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-associated targeted agents.

Keywords: BRAF; EGFR; HER2; anti-angiogenic; colorectal cancer.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This research was supported by Guangxi Key Research and Development Program (NO. GUIKEAB19245002), National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO.82103297, NO.82060427), Advanced Innovation Teams and Xinghu Scholars Program of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical and health key cultivation discipline construction project, Training Program for Thousands of Young and Middle-aged Backbone Teachers in Guangxi Colleges and Universities, Guangxi Medical University Outstanding Young Talents Training Program, Nanning Qingxiu District Science and Technology Project (NO. 2020037, NO. 2020038, NO. 2021007, NO. 2021010, NO. 2021012), Guangxi Medical and health key discipline construction project.