12. Prognostic and predictive factors in colorectal cancer: The importance of reliable markers for effective selection of therapy

In recent years, significant advances have been made in the study of colorectal cancer, (CRC) prognosis and outcome. A better understanding of the molecular basis of this disease, as well as the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat it, has dramatically altered its management. It is essential for physicians to have an effective methodology by which to plan treatment, project prognosis and measure outcome. In this chapter, we discuss predictive and prognostic markers identified in CRC in terms of their utility in assisting the clinician to select the most efficacious and least toxic therapeutic options for each patient. Correspondence/Reprint request: Dr. Miriam López-Gómez, Department of Medical Oncology, Infanta Sofía Hospital, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain. E-mail: [email protected] Miriam López-Gómez et al. 286