Background: The literature on biomarker testing for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Europe is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the percentage of mCRC patients from five European countries tested for biomarkers over time. Materials & methods: An oncology database was retrospectively analyzed; evaluated biomarkers were RAS, BRAF and microsatellite instability (MSI). The patients were drug treated during 2018 and tested for relevant biomarkers in 2013–2018. Results: RAS testing was conducted in >90% of mCRC patients from 2014 onwards. BRAF testing increased from 31% of mCRC patients in 2013 to 67% in 2018. MSI testing increased from 10 to 41%. There was no notable trend over time for RAS and BRAF mutation or MSI-high prevalence. Conclusion: Biomarker testing among patients diagnosed with mCRC was increased over time. This study demonstrates the quick uptake of biomarker testing in clinical practice. These findings are significant as biomarker-based drugs are becoming more common.

Background: Advances in therapies for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and improved understanding of prognostic and predictive factors have impacted treatment decisions. Materials & methods: This study used a large oncology database to investigate patterns of monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus chemotherapy treatment in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK in mCRC patients treated in first line in 2018. Results: Anti-EGFR mAbs were most often administered to patients with RAS wild-type mCRC and those with left-sided tumors, while anti-VEGF mAbs were preferred in RAS mutant and right-sided tumors. Adopted treatment strategies differed between countries, largely due to reimbursement. Conclusion: Biomarker status and primary tumor location steered treatment decisions in first line. Adopted treatment strategies differed between participating countries.

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