Martin D. Berger, M.D.

Researchers might be on to a new biomarker for patients with colorectal cancer, says Martin D. Berger, M.D., oncologist at the University of Southern California.

In a phase 3 trial conducted in Europe, 300 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were assigned a treatment regimen of FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, while 300 other patients — who had the same staging and type of disease – were given FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. The patients who had the genetic mutation to transport vitamin C had better outcomes and survival on the FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab regimen, while survival for patients with and without this mutation was the same for the group given FOLFIRI and cetuximab.

Findings like these, paired with further investigation, may lead to better personalizing treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Martin D. Berger, M.D.

Newly Discovered Biomarker May Help Personalize Colorectal Cancer Treatment

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