Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, impacting over a million individuals each year. Its prognosis worsens significantly if the cancer metastasizes, dropping the five-year survival rate from 70–90% to a stark 10%.
For metastatic colorectal cancer patients, treatment options primarily involve conventional therapies such as chemotherapy combined with biological agents. Despite initial efficacy, these treatments often encounter resistance over time, leading to disease progression and challenging clinical outcomes.
To address the variability in treatment response among patients, researchers at the Can Ruti Campus have been investigating potential biomarkers through collaborative efforts under the CARE and ProCURE programs. Their focus has centered on chemokines, small proteins secreted by tumor cells that influence the tumor microenvironment and immune response.
Among the chemokines studied, the CXC family, particularly CXCL13, has shown promise in predicting treatment outcomes for patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. High levels of CXCL13 correlate with positive responses to treatment and improved survival rates, whereas decreasing levels indicate poorer response and prognosis.
The research involved analyzing serum samples from 104 metastatic colorectal cancer patients at different stages of treatment—before initiation, during evaluation of treatment response, and at disease progression or follow-up visits. This approach offers a non-invasive method to monitor changes in biomarker levels over the course of treatment, providing insights into treatment efficacy and patient prognosis.
Dr. Eva Martínez Balibrea, leading the Resistance, Chemotherapy, and Predictive Biomarkers (RCPB) group, emphasizes the significance of CXCL13 as a potential tool for personalized medicine. She highlights its role in reducing unnecessary toxicities associated with oxaliplatin and improving overall quality of life for patients by optimizing treatment choices based on biomarker insights.
While acknowledging the preliminary nature of the study within a specific patient cohort, Dr. Martínez Balibrea remains optimistic about future research directions. She underscores the importance of continued investigation into predictive and prognostic markers, aiming to enhance treatment strategies and outcomes for metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
