Dr. Lenz on the Changing Landscape of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD, associate director for Adult Oncology and co-leader of the Gastrointestinal Cancers Program, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses the changing landscape of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

DNA mutational analysis and gene expression analysis are becoming increasingly important in directing treatment decisions for patients with CRC, explains Lenz. Additionally, physicians are working to integrate liquid biopsies into practice. Although testing a patient’s molecular makeup is routinely done as part of their diagnostic workup, there is no consensus on how broad the panel should be, notes Lenz.

Even so, these developments have changed the way that physicians are able to monitor patients with metastatic disease. In additional to technological developments, Lenz says physicians are working to integrate the novel targeted treatments, such as a monotherapy for microsatellite instability-high mCRC into the treatment paradigm. Based on data that will be presented at the 2018 ESMO Congress in Munich, Lenz says these therapies may move into the frontline setting.