Monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of colorectal cancer are young in the drug market.They include the anti-VEGF recombinant humanized antibodies; bevacizumab,aflibercept,ramucirumab and two anti-EGFRs; cetuximab and panitumumab.Their mechanism of action is by inhibiting the receptor and therefore preventing the downward cascade that leads to tumor progression.The greatest benefit promoting the use of monoclonal antibodies in patients with colorectal cancer is the reduction in the rate of progression of the disease and increasing overall survival.They thus offer patients a longer and better quality of life.