The evolution of biomarkers to guide the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

In the United States, colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death and cancer-related death. There is a critical need to improve clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), as current survival rates are unsatisfactory. There have been significant advances in the treatment of mCRC over the past decade. Molecular characteristics of mCRC and identification of mutations can serve predictive and prognostic indicators of disease response to treatment. These biomarkers can be incorporated into clinical decision making when developing an individualized treatment plan. Targeted therapies have improved the survival of patients with mCRC. As we learn about the various molecular alterations in this disease, additional emerging therapies can be developed to improve clinical outcomes in patients with mCRC.