Dr. Vulfovich on Broad Molecular Profiling in mCRC

Michel Vulfovich, MD, medical director, Sickle Cell Disease and Gynecology Oncology programs, Memorial Healthcare System, discusses the utility of broad molecular profiling in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Single-gene testing is no longer sufficient in mCRC, says Vulfovich. Now, broad molecular testing should be done to screen for BRAF, HER2, and microsatellite instability, in addition to KRAS. Notably, the results can indicate a patient’s prognosis as well as inform treatment.

Typically, patients receive FOLFOX or CAPOX in the frontline setting, says Vulfovich. Depending on whether the tumor is right sided or left sided, bevacizumab (Avastin) can be added, whereas patients with wild-type KRAS mutations are more likely to receive cetuximab (Erbitux) or panitumumab (Vectibix) up front. The results of molecular testing could also impact sequencing strategies in the second- and third-line settings, making testing a necessity upon diagnosis, concludes Vulfovich.