Biological therapy update in colorectal cancer

Colon and rectal cancer remain the second most common cause of cancer death in the US. Advances in the past 10 years have resulted in improved outcomes for patients. In addition to newer chemotherapeutics agents, the so-called 'targeted' or 'biological' therapies have improved survival in patients with metastatic disease. This review aims to summarize the mechanistic basis for the usefulness of these agents, the key clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy, and the studies now initiated with the hope of further incorporating their use in treating colon and rectal cancer.