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Molecular predictors of treatment and outcome in colorectal cancer

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Abstract

Understanding of the metabolism and mechanisms of resistance of tumors to chemotherapeutic agents is essential so that we can administer therapy to maximize response and minimize toxicity. In this review we describe molecular markers associated with fluoropyrimidine and platinumbased chemotherapy that may predict the outcome of therapy when patients are treated with these agents. We discuss the ways in which determination of gene expression levels can enhance the treatment of colorectal cancer through prediction of patient response and tailoring of chemotherapy to the characteristics of an individual tumor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 3450, 90033, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Syma Iqbal MD & Heinz-Josef Lenz MD

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  1. Syma Iqbal MD
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  2. Heinz-Josef Lenz MD
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Iqbal, S., Lenz, HJ. Molecular predictors of treatment and outcome in colorectal cancer. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 5, 399–405 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-003-0053-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-003-0053-3

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