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Saoudi González N, Ros J, Baraibar I, Salvà F, Rodríguez-Castells M, Alcaraz A, García A, Tabernero J, Élez E. Cetuximab as a Key Partner in Personalized Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:412. [PMID: 38254903 PMCID: PMC10814823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab, a chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has revolutionized personalized treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. This review highlights the mechanism of action, characteristics, and optimal indications for cetuximab in mCRC. Cetuximab has emerged as a pivotal partner for novel therapies in specific molecular subgroups, including BRAF V600E, KRAS G12C, and HER2-altered mCRC. Combining cetuximab with immunotherapy and other targeted agents further expands the therapeutic landscape, offering renewed hope for mCRC patients who face the development of resistance to conventional therapies. Ongoing clinical trials have continued to uncover innovative cetuximab-based treatment strategies, promising a brighter future for mCRC patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cetuximab's role and its evolving importance in personalized targeted therapy of mCRC patients, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Saoudi González
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ros
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iosune Baraibar
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Salvà
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Castells
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Alcaraz
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna García
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Élez
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Saoudi González N, Salvà F, Ros J, Baraibar I, Rodríguez-Castells M, García A, Alcaráz A, Vega S, Bueno S, Tabernero J, Elez E. Unravelling the Complexity of Colorectal Cancer: Heterogeneity, Clonal Evolution, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4020. [PMID: 37627048 PMCID: PMC10452468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health concern and a leading cause of death worldwide. The disease's course and response to treatment are significantly influenced by its heterogeneity, both within a single lesion and between primary and metastatic sites. Biomarkers, such as mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF, provide valuable guidance for treatment decisions in patients with metastatic CRC. While high concordance exists between mutational status in primary and metastatic lesions, some heterogeneity may be present. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has proven invaluable in identifying genetic heterogeneity and predicting prognosis in RAS-mutated metastatic CRC patients. Tumor heterogeneity can arise from genetic and non-genetic factors, affecting tumor development and response to therapy. To comprehend and address clonal evolution and intratumoral heterogeneity, comprehensive genomic studies employing techniques such as next-generation sequencing and computational analysis are essential. Liquid biopsy, notably through analysis of ctDNA, enables real-time clonal evolution and treatment response monitoring. However, challenges remain in standardizing procedures and accurately characterizing tumor subpopulations. Various models elucidate the origin of CRC heterogeneity, highlighting the intricate molecular pathways involved. This review focuses on intrapatient cancer heterogeneity and genetic clonal evolution in metastatic CRC, with an emphasis on clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Saoudi González
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Salvà
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ros
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iosune Baraibar
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Castells
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna García
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
| | - Adriana Alcaráz
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sharela Vega
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Bueno
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Elez
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.)
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Ros J, Rodríguez-Castells M, Saoudi N, Baraibar I, Salva F, Tabernero J, Élez E. Treatment of BRAF-V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: new insights and biomarkers. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:797-806. [PMID: 37482749 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2236794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of a BRAF-V600E mutation in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is observed in approximately 12% of cases and is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive disease. Unlike melanoma, the development of successful BRAF blockade in colorectal cancer has been complex. The phase III BEACON trial made significant progress in the development of BRAF inhibitors by establishing encorafenib-cetuximab as the new standard of care for patients with mCRC who have progressed to one or two previous lines of treatment. Nonetheless, not all patients respond to encorafenib-based combinations, and some responses are short-lived. Identifying new strategies to boost antitumor activity and improve survival is paramount. AREAS COVERED The development of targeted therapy for BRAF-V600E mCRC starting with BRAF inhibitors as monotherapy through novel combinations with anti-VEGF or anti-PD1 agents to enhance antitumor activity is reviewed, with a particular focus on the development of predictive and prognostic biomarkers. EXPERT OPINION There is a crucial need to better understand tumor biology and develop accurate and reliable biomarkers to enhance the antitumor activity of encorafenib-based combinations. The RNF43 mutation is an accurate and reliable predictive biomarker of response, and combinations that target crosstalk between the MAPK pathway, the immune system, and WNT pathways seem promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ros
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Castells
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nadia Saoudi
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iosune Baraibar
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Salva
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Élez
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
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