• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.52-55
• /
• 2014

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has continuously increased and CRC is a major cause of cancer-related death. Systemic chemotherapy has resulted in a significant improvement in overall survival in metastatic CRC. The development of biologic agents for the treatment of CRC has additionally expanded the options for the treatment. Cetuximab is useful in KRAS wild type tumors in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic disease in both the first and second line settings. It is also used as monotherapy after failure of both irinotecan and oxaliplatin containing regimens. Panitumumab has similar indications, and is primarily used in patients intolerant to cetuximab due to hypersensitivity reactions. Bevacizumab is primarily used as first line and second line therapy in metastatic CRC. However, the optimal way and duration to combine these chemotherapeutic agents are not yet established.