Dr. Grothey on Treatment Landscape of mCRC

Axel Grothey, MD, medical oncologist, Mayo Clinic, discusses some of the therapeutic approaches in the field of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

There are a variety of different agents available for patients with mCRC currently, Grothey explains. However, a next step involves making sense of which combinations are used for which clinical setting. Additionally, treatment approaches need to be individualized since tumor histology and characteristics differ from one another. Researchers need to tailor therapies according to patient needs, Grothey adds, and utilize the treatment combinations available in the armamentarium.

Before starting treatment for a patient with palliative intent, physicians must keep in mind that the goal of palliation is to keep patients alive and have a good quality of life. When discussing treatment options with patients, Grothey says he explains treatment algorithms and plans for the future, as patients with metastatic disease will likely be on therapy for the rest of their life with breaks in between.