Targeted Therapy in Rectal Cancer

摘要: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial (VEGF) are often overexpressed in colorectal cancer associated with inferior outcomes. Based on successful randomized phase III trials, anti-EGFR anti-VEGF therapeutics have entered clinical practice. Cetuximab (Erbitux), an EGFR-specific antibody, is currently approved the United States combination irinotecan (Camptosar) for patients metastatic refractory to or as a single agent unable tolerate irinotecan-based therapy. In retrospective analyses, EGFR-expressing rectal undergoing neoadjuvant radiation therapy had significantly disease-free survival lower rates of achieving pathologic complete response. positive data synergy seen preclinical models, there strong rationale combine cetuximab chemotherapy cancer. Bevacizumab (Avastin), VEGF-specific was first antiangiogenic be use standard first- second-line treatment VEGF-targeted may lead indirect killing cells by damaging tumor blood vessels, increase radiosensitivity tumor-associated cells. VEGF blockade can also "normalize" vasculature, thereby leading greater oxygenation drug penetration. This review will address completed ongoing trials that established continue clarify effects these agents