Anti-EGFR treatment in colorectal cancer - what is its role today and in the future?

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) was one of the first molecular-biological target utilised in oncology. EGFR overexpression is present in 60-80% of cases of colorectal (CRC). Two anti-EFGR targeted monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are available at present: cetuximab and panitumumab. Their use is limited for patients with metastatic CRC. According to available data, there is no use for anti-EGFR treatment in neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment of patients with early- stage CRC. Anti-EGFR MoAbs in combination with chemotherapy can be used as conversion therapy in oligo metastatic CRC. Combination of anti-EGFR MoAbs with immunotherapy, re-challenge of anti-EGFR treatment after its previous failure and its combination with B RAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAFV600 -mutant patient appears to be a promising strategy. (author)