Biomarkers in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Challenges in Translating Clinical Research into Practice

Cancers

Charlotte Lemech¹ 

[1] Sarah Cannon Research Institute, 93 Harley Street, W1G 6AD, London, UK; E-Mail

关键词: prognostic biomarker;    predictive biomarker;    colorectal cancer;    kras mutation;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cancers3021844

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The growing number of therapeutic agents and known molecular targets in oncology makes the study and clinical use of biomarkers imperative for improving response and survival, reducing toxicity and ensuring economic sustainability. Colorectal cancer, among others, is at the forefront of development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers; however, the difficulty lies in translating potential biomarkers garnered from retrospective analyses in small numbers of patients to generalizable and affordable biomarkers used worldwide. This review outlines the progress made in prognostic and predictive biomarkers in advanced colorectal cancer (ACRC) from the early use of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) to the KRAS mutation and beyond. Future challenges are to incorporate standardized and validated methods preferentially during early phases of drug development linked with sophisticated biostatistical support. New trial designs focusing on biomarkers will be essential not only for better understanding of mechanisms of action, but also to make confident ‘go or no-go’ decisions.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.