VEGFA gene locus (6p12) amplification and colorectal cancer : implications for patients' response to therapy

The aims of this study was to assess the presence of VEGFA genomic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC) and clarify how these genomic alterations can modulate CRC patients’ response to BV treatment in addition to first line therapy (5fluorouracil, leucovorin, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, mephedrone). Among our goals we aim to find out predictive biomarkers to improve anti-angiogenic therapy efficacy and possibly to develop new therapeutic approaches by setting out new rational drug combinations. Of importance, this study allowed us to contribute to the improving patient’s treatment efficiency as well as reducing the economic cost of ineffective therapy. To conclude, we believe that CRC patients will greatly benefit from our research activities. Altogether, our study helped the setting of personalized therapeutic strategies by: i) identifying those patients who really will profit of BV treatment, ii) sparing unnecessary side effects and costs for the non-responder CRC patients especially and iii) planning future alternative and/or combination treatments for CRC patients based on the functional results.