Is there a role for IGF1R and c-MET pathways in resistance to cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer?
KRAS mutation significantly correlates with a worse outcome in patients treated with cetuximab, whereas no definitive inference can be drawn about the role of BRAF mutation and PTEN loss of expression. Instead, c-MET overexpression might represent a negative prognostic factor in mCRC and may have a role in resistance to anti-EGFR therapy. Interestingly, IGF1R overexpression seems a favorable prognostic factor in mCRC.
Although awaiting results from prospective trials, improved risk assessment for patients with stage II and III is likely to be achieved in the foreseeable future.