Abstract
The survival improvement in metastatic colorectal cancer, achieved with more intensive
chemotherapy regimens, has recently led clinicians to question the optimal duration
of therapies and to consider the role of maintenance. Indeed, patients whose disease
is controlled after induction chemotherapy may benefit from continuing a less intensive
regimen in order to reinforce the results achieved with up-front treatment. In addition,
the more favorable toxicity profile of maintenance approaches would ensure a better
quality of life. After discussing the rationale and the difference of pursuing a maintenance
strategy with chemotherapeutic and/or biologic agents, we present significant available
data from the literature and comment on the current implications and future directions
of maintenance therapy. The current roles of depotentiated treatment schedules, antiangiogenic
compounds, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, and novel targeted therapies
are also reviewed. Finally, we address elements that may foster clinical and social
debate on this topic, suggesting potential aspects that need to be further investigated.
Graphical abstract
Graphical Abstract
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 22, 2015
Accepted:
August 10,
2015
Received in revised form:
July 29,
2015
Received:
April 19,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
