Dr. Kopetz on the Significance of Tumor Sidedness in CRC

Video

In Partnership With:

Scott Kopetz, MD, PhD, FACP, associate professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the significance of tumor sidedness in colorectal cancer.

Scott Kopetz, MD, PhD, FACP, associate professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the significance of tumor sidedness in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Researchers have known for many years that there are biological differences between left- and right-sided CRC, the clinical implications of which have become apparent over the last few years. Right-sided CRC is associated with a particularly poor prognosis and a lower progression-free survival (PFS) on standard therapy. Tumor origin also plays a role in recurrence after liver metastasis resection, Kopetz says.

Moreover, many studies have indicated there is a difference in response to targeted therapy in right- versus left-sided CRC. This is particularly true for EGFR inhibitors, cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix). Tumors on the right side of the colon, even if they are wild-type tumors, still have a poor response to EGFR inhibition. This is also associated with lower PFS, says Kopetz.

Related Videos
Ricardo D. Parrondo, MD, hematologist/oncologist, Mayo Clinic
Ilyas Sahin, MD
Raj Singh, MD
Jaime R. Merchán, MD, professor, co-leader, Translational and Clinical Oncology Research Program, director, Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Saad J. Kenderian, MB, CHB
Tycel Phillips, MD
Minesh Mehta, MD
A panel of 6 experts on colorectal cancer
A panel of 6 experts on colorectal cancer
Shivaani Kummar, MBBS, FACP, Margaret and Lester DeArmond Endowed Chair of Cancer Research, Professor and Division Head, Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine; co-director, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, co-deputy director, Knight Cancer Institute