Schematic diagram of the overall structure of this perspective.

Newswise — Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. While surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy remains the standard treatment, only about 60% of patients reach a five-year survival rate, and one-third experience recurrence within two years. Precision medicine, powered by high-throughput sequencing, seeks to improve these outcomes through individualized therapy based on specific molecular profiles.

A recent paper (DOI:10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0293)in Cancer Biology & Medicine, November 2023, discusses the pivotal role of molecular testing in CRC precision medicine. It explores breakthroughs in gene-targeted therapies and immunotherapy, highlighting how molecular testing identifies key gene variations like KRAS and BRAF, guiding targeted treatments. The paper also delves into emerging therapies, including KRAS inhibitors and innovative immunotherapy approaches, aimed at enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing recurrence rates. This research is significant as it opens the door to more personalized treatment, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for CRC patients.

The paper details how advancements in gene-targeted therapies and immunotherapy have transformed precision medicine in CRC. By pinpointing specific gene variations, such as KRAS,BRAF, HER2, and RET, molecular testing enables clinicians to select the most effective targeted therapies for CRC. While established drugs like cetuximab and bevacizumab are commonly used, new drugs targeting KRAS G12C, like sotorasib, and the NTRK inhibitor entrectinib, show promise for treating specific gene mutations. These developments in precision medicine aim to increase treatment efficacy and minimize recurrence.

Xin Hu, a co-author and precision oncology expert at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, states, "Our research underscores the critical role of molecular testing in refining patient stratification and promoting precision treatment in CRC. By identifying new biomarkers and targeted therapies, we aim to boost treatment efficacy and reduce recurrence rates."

Precision medicine is reshaping CRC treatment through targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Identifying key gene variations like KRAS and BRAF helps tailoring treatments, enhancing efficacy and lowering recurrence risks. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and neoantigen-primed cancer vaccines will offer broader options for patients. This research is significant because it establishes a framework for integrating molecular testing into clinical practice, leading to more effective CRC treatments, improved outcomes, and a better quality of life for patients.

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References

DOI

10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0293

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0293

Funding information

This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2018YFE0201604), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81872137 and 82072917), and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (Grant No. 20DZ1100100).

About Cancer Biology & Medicine

Cancer Biology & Medicine (CBM) is a peer-reviewed open-access journal sponsored by China Anti-cancer Association (CACA) and Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital. The journal monthly provides innovative and significant information on biological basis of cancer, cancer microenvironment, translational cancer research, and all aspects of clinical cancer research. The journal also publishes significant perspectives on indigenous cancer types in China. The journal is indexed in SCOPUS, MEDLINE and SCI (IF 5.5, 5 year IF 6.1), with all full texts freely visible to clinicians and researchers all over the world (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/2000/).