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Tanasanvimon. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2018;4:57 Journal of Cancer
DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2018.38 Metastasis and Treatment

Review Open Access

Molecular biomarkers in current management of
metastatic colorectal cancer

Suebpong Tanasanvimon

Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn
Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Correspondence to: Dr. Suebpong Tanasanvimon, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of
Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, 1873 Rama IV rd. Pathumwan,
Bangkok, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. E-mail: surbpong@yahoo.com
How to cite this article: Tanasanvimon S. Molecular biomarkers in current management of metastatic colorectal cancer. J Cancer
Metastasis Treat 2018;4:57. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2018.38
Received: 15 Jun 2018 First Decision: 9 Jul 2018 Revised: 21 Aug 2018 Accepted: 24 Oct 2018 Published: 21 Nov 2018

Science Editor: Guo-Feng Xie Copy Editor: Cai-Hong Wang Production Editor: Zhong-Yu Guo

Abstract
Over the past two decades, the treatment outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have been remarkably
improved, largely from the evolution of systemic therapy. Also, the molecular biomarkers have played a major role
in this improvement by their predictive value in current treatment paradigm in mCRC. Currently, extended RAS
mutation analysis is required for consideration of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy in patients with
mCRC. Several uncommon gene alterations have emerged as the potential targets for their matched molecular
targeted therapy. Although, most patients with mCRC do not derive benefit from immunotherapy. By using
microsatellite instability or mismatch repair test, we are now able to identify a small subgroup of patients with
mCRC who have a very good response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. With the increasing number of required
biomarkers in mCRC management, multiplex gene panel testing is now replacing single gene testing strategy.
In patients accessible to matched molecular targeted therapy, especially for clinical trials, the comprehensive
genomic profiling might be the preferred testing method. Although, it is potentially benefit in mCRC treatment, the
liquid biopsy is not yet clinically applicable. The optimal utilization of molecular biomarker testing is required for
best treatment outcomes in individual patients.

Keywords: Molecular biomarkers, metastatic colorectal cancer, treatment

INTRODUCTION
Over the past two decades, the treatment outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have been
significantly improved, largely because of the evolution of systemic therapy. Although chemotherapy is

© The Author(s) 2018. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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