Consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) in metastatic colorectal cancer- personalized decision medicine

Abstract

Background. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Metastatic disease is still incurable, but the survival rate has improved by treatment with novel systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapy. New knowledge of its complex heterogeneity in terms of genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics and microenvironment, including prognostic and clinical characteristics, led to its classification into various molecular subtypes of metastatic CRC, called Consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). The CMS classification thus enables the clinicians to vary the treatment from case to case. They can determine which type of systemic chemotherapy or targeted therapy is best suited to a specific patient, what dosages are needed and in what order.

Conclusions. Consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) in metastatic colorectal cancer are the new tool to include the knowledge of a multi-molecular, stromal and signalling pathway factors for multi-drug patient-orientated treatment into precision medicine.