Exploring Novel Treatment Strategies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

STATEMENT OF NEED

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. An estimated 145,600 new cases are diagnosed annually and 51,020 people die of the disease. When detected and treated early at a localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 90%. However, because CRC initially exhibits no symptoms and the use of routine screening is suboptimal, most patients are diagnosed at later stages. Approximately 21% of patients present with metastatic disease, which is associated with a 5-year survival rate of only 14%.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, oncology advanced practitioners, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with CRC.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1.) Distinguish predictive and prognostic markers that can refine individualized treatment of metastatic CRC
2.) Apply current and emerging data on novel therapies in clinical management of metastatic CRC
3.) Appraise recent data on novel combination and sequential treatment strategies for patients with metastatic CRC