Metastatic colorectal cancer: Current treatment and future options for improved survivalMedical approach – present status

Abstract

Progress has been rapid in advanced colorectal cancer. This is likely a result of well-designed trials in collaboration between academy and industry, showing a great interest in the disease. A multi-professional approach and future collaborations may hopefully introduce new treatment concepts, further improving outcome.

Physical and Psychological Predictors of Quality of Life in Chinese Colorectal Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

“…1 Since the 1980s, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy have been the routine treatments for CRC and have improved the median survival time from fewer than 6 months to more than 24 months. 2 Even if these improvements dramatically increased survival, 2 quality of life (QOL) still varies dramatically among CRC patients. 3 Cancer has long-term consequences on patients' QOL.…”

Liver transplantation for metastatic liver malignancies

“…The treatment option for patients with nonresectable metastatic CRC is palliative chemotherapy. Modern chemotherapy including bevacizumab/epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies has increased median survival of these patients from 6 months to about 2 years [4][5][6].…”

Recent Advances in the Management of Stage IV Colon Cancer

“…Of note, selected patients with initially unresectable disease may become eligible for resection if they achieve a good response to systemic therapy. 75% -90% of stage IV colon cancers are not suitable for curative resection [9] due to tumor-specific (inextirpable primary, multiple metastases) or patient-specific (age, co-morbidities) reasons [10]. These patients may benefit from systemic and local therapy [11].…”

“…With the judicious use of active agents in the management of advanced CC, the median overall survival of patients has increased to 2 years. Selection of appropriate therapy may be complicated as many patients are willing to accept a short survival prolongation despite considerable toxicity [10]. These factors indicate the need for an individualized approach in management, involving a multidisciplinary team including colorectal/hepatobiliary/thoracic surgeons, medical/radiation oncologists, pathologists, interventional radiologists, nurses, and psychosocial support services [31].…”