Current and Emerging Treatment Paradigms in Colorectal Cancer: Integrating Hallmarks of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer biology; Colorectal cancer; Immune checkpoint inhibitors

Biologia del càncer; Càncer colorectal; Inhibidors de punts de control immunitari

Biología del cáncer; Cáncer colorrectal; Inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario

The treatment of unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer has evolved over the last two decades, as knowledge of cancer biology has broadened and new targets have emerged. ‘The Hallmarks of Cancer’ illustrate the crucial capabilities acquired by cells to become malignant and represent the evolution of knowledge of tumor biology. This review integrates these novel targets and therapies into selected hallmarks: sustaining proliferative signaling, inducing vasculature, avoiding immune destruction, genome instability and mutation, reprogramming cellular metabolism, and resisting cell death. The different strategies and combinations under study are based on treatments with anti-EGFR, anti-VEGF, and anti-HER2 agents, KRAS G12C inhibitors, BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, new approaches are emerging, including vaccines, WEE1 inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors, among others. The further deciphering of cancer biology will unravel new targets, develop novel therapies, and improve patients’ outcomes.