Dr. Sinicrope on Mismatch Repair-Deficient Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Frank A. Sinicrope, MD, medical oncologist, Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, discusses patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who are mismatch repair-deficient.

Having mismatch repair deficiency is a good prognostic marker in patients with mCRC, Sinicrope explains, although it appears to be more favorable in stage II disease compared with stage III. There is not yet enough data in mismatch repair deficiency in stage III disease, he adds.

A recent study sought to answer if mismatch repair deficiency was a favorable prognostic marker in patients who received a FOLFOX-based regimen. Data suggested mismatch repair deficiency may be beneficial in these patients, but more studies need to be conducted. It was also found that patients who received a FOLFIRI plus cetuximab regimen did not have the same survival advantage as those with a FOLFOX-based regimen.