Advances in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer has undergone major advances yielding significant improvements in survival over the past decade. These advances have evolved due to the benefits of combination chemotherapy and the incorporation of biologic therapy. However, as we struggle to provide optimum care while sparing patients ineffective therapy and undue cost, the importance of tailored therapy to maximize benefit will become increasingly important. This article reviews the major advances in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and the burgeoning developments in individualized therapy.