First-Line Therapy in Metastatic, RAS Wild-Type, Left-Sided Colorectal Cancer: Should Everyone Receive Anti-EGFR Therapy?

Abstract

Purpose of review: This narrative review explores the efficacy and applicability of anti-EGFR therapy as the first-line treatment for patients with RAS wild-type (WT) left-sided metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). It critically examines current guidelines, along with recent evidence in the literature, to assess whether it should be universally applied.

Recent findings: Recent evidences highlight the variability of the response to anti-EGFR therapies due to molecular diversity and several clinical factors, such as RAS mutational status and primary tumor location. Anti-EGFR plus chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for most patients with MSS, RAS-WT, left-sided mCRC. Whether this combination is the best treatment for these patients remains an open question. This review delves into the role of EGFR inhibition in mCRC, focusing on clinical factors and the knowledge of biology, molecular targets, and biomarkers. It underscores the crucial role of a personalized approach, empowering healthcare providers and equipping them with the confidence to make informed decisions.