Targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: what do we currently have in clinical practice?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the three most prevalent types of cancer (along with lung cancer and breast cancer) and the second most deadly cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that in 2020, CRC was the cause of almost 1 million deaths worldwide. This work aims to review the available targeted therapeutic approaches in the treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC), namely, monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors of protein kinases with therapeutic indication in mCRC. The databases of medicines for human use of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) were searched to identify targeted drugs with an approved indication for the treatment of mCRC. Within the scope of targeted therapies for the treatment of mCRC, ten drugs are currently available in the pharmaceutical market: a fusion protein with a mechanism of action that has similarities with monoclonal antibodies (aflibercept), seven monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, cetuximab, nivolumab + ipilimumab, panitumumab, pembrolizumab and ramucirumab), and two protein kinase inhibitors (encorafenib and regorafenib). An analysis was also carried out of the antineoplastic therapeutic regimens in which each of these drugs are included and their respective therapeutic indications. The high incidence and mortality of CRC require new therapeutic approaches, with proven efficacy and high levels of safety. Detailed study of the individual behavior of the tumor allows the use of targeted therapies, optimizing therapeutic results.