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Targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: what do we currently have in clinical practice?

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the three most prevalent types of cancer (along with lung cancer and breast cancer) and the second most deadly cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that in 2020, CRC was the cause of almost 1 million deaths worldwide. This work aims to review the available targeted therapeutic approaches in the treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC), namely, monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors of protein kinases with therapeutic indication in mCRC. The databases of medicines for human use of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) were searched to identify targeted drugs with an approved indication for the treatment of mCRC. Within the scope of targeted therapies for the treatment of mCRC, ten drugs are currently available in the pharmaceutical market: a fusion protein with a mechanism of action that has similarities with monoclonal antibodies (aflibercept), seven monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, cetuximab, nivolumab + ipilimumab, panitumumab, pembrolizumab and ramucirumab), and two protein kinase inhibitors (encorafenib and regorafenib). An analysis was also carried out of the antineoplastic therapeutic regimens in which each of these drugs are included and their respective therapeutic indications. The high incidence and mortality of CRC require new therapeutic approaches, with proven efficacy and high levels of safety. Detailed study of the individual behavior of the tumor allows the use of targeted therapies, optimizing therapeutic results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pharmaceutical Services of University Hospital Center of Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal

    Sandra Morgado, Mafalda Silva, Olímpia Fonseca & Manuel Morgado

  2. Health Sciences Faculty, University of Beira Interior (FCS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal

    Olímpia Fonseca & Manuel Morgado

  3. School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, Avenida Rainha D. Amélia, S/N, 6300-749, Guarda, Portugal

    Fátima Roque & Manuel Morgado

  4. Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda (UDI-IPG), Guarda, Portugal

    Fátima Roque & Manuel Morgado

  5. Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal

    Fátima Roque & Manuel Morgado

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  1. Sandra Morgado
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Sandra Morgado, Mafalda Silva, Olímpia Fonseca, Fátima Roque, and Manuel Morgado state that they have no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

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Sandra Morgado acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data, drafting of the manuscript and critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. Mafalda Silva acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data, drafting of the manuscript and technical support. Olímpia Fonseca and Fátima Roque critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. Manuel Morgado concept and study design, acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data and critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.

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Morgado, S., Silva, M., Fonseca, O. et al. Targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: what do we currently have in clinical practice?. Drugs Ther Perspect 38, 222–234 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-022-00915-9

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