Biomarkers and cell-based models to predict the outcome of neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer patients

• Rectal cancer constitutes approximately one-third of all colorectal cancers and contributes to considerable mortality globally. In contrast to colon cancer, the standard treatment for localized rectal cancer often involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Tumour response rates to treatment show substantial inter-patient heterogeneity, indicating a need for treatment stratification. Consequently researchers have attempted to establish new means for predicting tumour response in order to assist in treatment decisions. In this review we have summarized published findings regarding potential biomarkers to predict neoadjuvant treatment response for rectal cancer tumours. In addition, we describe cell-based models that can be utilized both for treatment prediction and for studying the complex mechanisms involved.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Rectal cancer

Biomarkers

Neoadjuvant therapy

Microenvironment

Patient-derived xenografts

Patient-derived organoids

tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

growth-factor receptor

lymph-node

ratio

death-ligand 1

gene-expression

colorectal-cancer

preoperative

chemoradiotherapy

chemoradiation therapy

microsatellite instability

complete response

Oncology

Research & Experimental Medicine

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)