Molecular biomarkers and histological parameters impact on survival and response to first- line systemic therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Histological parameters of primary tumour and nodal metastases are prognostic factors for survival of operable colorectal (CRC) patients, but not predictive for response rate of systemic therapy. KRAS mutations in codons 12 and 13 were first recognized as a predictive factor for resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Not all patients with wild-type KRAS (wtKRAS) respond to anti-EGFR antibody treatment. Additional mechanisms of resistance may activate mutations of the other main EGFR effectors pathway, such as other mutations in RAS gene, mutations in P13K and PTEN expression.

Keywords

• metastatic colorectal cancer
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapy
• histological parameters
• biomarkers