Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has become increasingly complex and nuanced as treatments have evolved over the last decade. During that time, treatment has evolved from single agent 5-fluorouracil (5FU) chemotherapy to combination chemotherapy, and more recently to the inclusion of monoclonal antibodies. As such, mCRC is evolving into a chronic disease in which the median overall survival (mOS) is in excess of 2 years and the 5-year survival is 10%. This review highlights the chemotherapy advances in the treatment of mCRC and focuses on the antibody therapies that have provided incremental improvements in survival. Additionally, we will discuss the management of resectable and unresectable liver metastases, and directed liver therapies. The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has become increasingly complex and nuanced as treatments have evolved over the last decade. During that time, treatment has evolved from single agent 5-fluorouracil (5FU) to combination chemotherapy and more recently the inclusion of monoclonal antibodies. As such, mCRC is evolving into a chronic disease in which the median overall survival (mOS) is in excess of 2 years and the 5-year survival is 10%. This review highlights the chemotherapy advances in the treatment of mCRC and focuses on the antibody therapies that have provided incremental improvements in survival. Additionally, we will discuss the management of resectable and unresectable liver metastases and directed liver therapies. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.