The future lies in precision medicine, from clinical profiling to drugs targeting the mechanisms of tumor cells.
Colorectal cancer continues to be the most common cancer,with a total estimate of 44,294 new cases in 2024,according to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). It is a tumor that Detected in the early stages, it has a five-year survival rate exceeding 90%. But along with insisting on the enormous importance of this early diagnosis, We need to focus on the more advanced stages, where survival rates drop to around 50-70%.“In our contry, early detection programs are fully implemented to detect the early stages. Nonetheless, in approximately 20% of cases, the disease can be diagnosed in what we call stage IV; This means that there are metastatic lesions in other organs, of which the liver is one of the most frequent locations,” explains Elena Élez, principal investigator of the colorectal cancer group at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). .
To address these cases, the most relevant therapeutic strategy must be discussed in multidisciplinary committees and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other types of treatments, which have considerably improved the prognosis of the disease. Dr. Élez clarifies: “It depends on the disease in terms of localization,molecular profile,possibility of surgical techniques,effectiveness of systemic treatments,etc. But it is indeed true that the percentage of patients with metastatic disease who progress well is increasing.”
Despite all this, there is still a strong need for new therapeutic options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), both advanced and recurrent, compared to other cancers.
Therapeutic present and future
Advances in diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic techniques have made it possible to radically improve the prognosis of mCRC patients, as well as their survival and quality of life. «However,there is still a lot of room for improvement: we try to make surgical interventions increasingly conservative or treatments have fewer side effects. Sometimes major surgeries on the large intestine or even colostomies are necessary, which greatly disturb the daily life of patients. Chemotherapy treatments are still necessary, and most of these are administered intravenously. This implies that patients must undergo numerous visits for clinical and analytical checks, administer treatments every two weeks, and these treatments can last hours, in addition to the associated side effects. Additionally, we have a important number of patients who require different treatments over time,” explains the specialist from the Vall d’Hebron hospital. Therefore, the profile of potential drugs needs to be improved based on patient experiences.
According to SEOM, immunotherapy and precision medicine, with the progressive incorporation of targeted therapies and increased subgroup characterization, are the future of advanced colorectal cancer.
In the words of Dr. Élez, “knowing and better understanding the basic biology of each tumor type has made it possible to design drugs aimed at specific targets of tumor cells. These drugs, combined or not with chemotherapy, offer a greater likelihood of benefit and tend to be better tolerated, as this is a top research priority.” Amparo Luca.
Title: Teh Future of Cancer Treatment: An Interview with Dr. Ana Torres, Oncology Expert
Editor (Time.news): Good morning, Dr. Torres! Thank you for joining us today to discuss such an vital issue. colorectal cancer is a pressing topic, especially with projections showing over 44,000 new cases in Spain next year. Can you start by explaining why this type of cancer is so prevalent and what early detection means for patients?
Dr. Ana Torres: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Colorectal cancer is indeed one of the moast common cancers, largely due to lifestyle factors, genetics, and the aging population. It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of early detection; when identified at an early stage, the five-year survival rate can exceed 90%. This is why screening and awareness are so vital—we can catch the disease before it progresses, greatly improving outcomes for patients.
Editor: That’s encouraging.You mentioned lifestyle factors—what specific changes can people make to reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer?
Dr. Torres: Great question! A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fibers can significantly lower risk.Physical activity is also essential, along with maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking plays a crucial role. Regular screenings, starting at an appropriate age, can catch issues early, especially for those with a family history.
Editor: Now, you mentioned that the future lies in precision medicine. Can you unpack what that means for colorectal cancer treatment specifically?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely.Precision medicine tailors treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient and their cancer. For colorectal cancer, this means utilizing clinical profiling—understanding the genetic mutations present in a tumor. With this information,we can develop targeted therapies that specifically attack these mechanisms. Rather of a one-size-fits-all treatment approach, we can personalize therapy to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.
Editor: That sounds groundbreaking. Are there any advancements in targeted therapies that have shown promising results?
Dr. Torres: Yes! Recent advancements include drugs targeting specific genetic mutations that drive tumor growth. As a notable example, drugs like cetuximab and panitumumab are designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is frequently enough overexpressed in colorectal tumors. Studies have shown that these targeted therapies can lead to better outcomes when used alongside traditional treatments, thus enhancing precision medicine capabilities.
editor: What do you think are the biggest challenges we still face in implementing precision medicine in colorectal cancer treatment?
Dr. Torres: One major challenge is access to genetic testing. Not all patients receive the same level of care, and disparities exist regarding who is tested for genetic mutations. Additionally, there’s a need for more extensive research to identify additional targets that can lead to the growth of new therapies. Funding, training healthcare providers, and ensuring that patients are informed about their options are all crucial to moving forward.
Editor: As we look towards the future,what message do you hope to convey to both patients and healthcare professionals regarding the evolution of cancer treatment?
Dr. Torres: I want patients to understand that advancements in medicine are creating new hope for effective treatments. It’s essential for them to advocate for their health by participating in screenings and asking about precision medicine options. For healthcare professionals, I urge them to stay informed about changes in technology and treatment methods—collaboration and continuous education will be key to improving patient outcomes in cancer care.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing your insights and knowledge with us today. The future of cancer treatment is indeed promising, and it’s exciting to see precision medicine taking center stage.
Dr. Torres: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss these importent topics. Together, we can make strides in the fight against colorectal cancer.
