Targeting the extracellular signature of metastatic colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of tumor death, a consequence primarily of the spreading of malignant cells to liver and lung. Despite a range of interventions for liver metastases, the present knowledge of few specific molecular targets may contribute to late diagnosis and poorly effective therapy. OBJECTIVE: To review the most innovative methodology employed to profile the signature(s) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to address diagnostic/therapeutic agents. METHODS: A broad range Medline search was conducted, with particular attention to the search terms 'liver metastasis signature', in combination with 'targeting' and 'nanotechnology'. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Studies aimed at the discovery of molecular signatures of cancers and metastasis are ongoing; the future of cancer/metastasis targeting is nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery.