Cancer Patient Guide
Colorectal Cancer: Expert Insights for Treatment Decisions
Curated from expert webinars (part of 150+ across all cancer types) hosted by Cancer Patient Lab, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Covers MSI-H/dMMR testing, KRAS and BRAF mutations, immunotherapy, FOLFOX/FOLFIRI chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials.
Expert Panel
Oncologists and researchers who contributed insights through Cancer Patient Lab webinars
Tony Letai, MD, PhD
Functional precision medicine — testing drugs on cancer cells
Lisa Butterfield
Cancer vaccines and immunotherapy
Ezra Cohen, MD
AI tools in cancer patient-doctor conversations
Lauren Leiman
Liquid biopsy for cancer monitoring
Selin Kurnaz
Finding the right cancer clinical trial
Massive Bio
Michael Liss, MD, PhD
Gut microbiome and cancer treatment
Treatment Topics
Key treatment areas covered across our colorectal cancer webinar series
MSI-H/dMMR & Immunotherapy
Approximately 15% of colorectal cancers are MSI-H (microsatellite instability-high) or dMMR (mismatch repair deficient). These tumors respond dramatically to checkpoint inhibitors — pembrolizumab is now first-line for MSI-H metastatic CRC, and the NICHE trial showed remarkable neoadjuvant responses. MSI/MMR testing should be done on every colorectal cancer diagnosis.
KRAS & Targeted Therapy
KRAS mutations (found in ~40% of CRC) determine eligibility for anti-EGFR therapies like cetuximab and panitumumab — these agents only work in KRAS/NRAS wild-type tumors. KRAS G12C mutations now have targeted options (sotorasib, adagrasib) being studied in CRC. Left-sided tumors tend to respond better to anti-EGFR therapy than right-sided tumors.
BRAF V600E Mutations
BRAF V600E mutations occur in ~8-10% of CRC and are associated with worse prognosis. The BEACON regimen (encorafenib + cetuximab, with or without binimetinib) is now standard of care for BRAF V600E metastatic CRC after first-line therapy. Triplet therapy combinations continue to be studied in clinical trials to improve outcomes further.
Chemotherapy: FOLFOX, FOLFIRI & Beyond
FOLFOX (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin) and FOLFIRI (5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan) remain backbone regimens for metastatic CRC, often combined with bevacizumab or anti-EGFR antibodies. Adjuvant FOLFOX after surgery reduces recurrence in stage III CRC. Capecitabine (oral 5-FU) offers convenience for some patients. Duration of therapy and sequence of regimens should be personalized.
Liquid Biopsy & the Gut Microbiome
Liquid biopsy (ctDNA testing) is emerging as a powerful tool for colorectal cancer — it can detect minimal residual disease after surgery, guide adjuvant therapy decisions, and monitor for recurrence earlier than imaging. Dr. Michael Liss discusses how the gut microbiome influences CRC development, treatment response, and immunotherapy effectiveness.
Common Questions from Colorectal Cancer Patients
Answered by Navis AI, informed by expert webinars and medical guidelines
What does MSI-H or dMMR mean for my colorectal cancer treatment?
How does KRAS mutation status affect targeted therapy options?
What is BRAF V600E and what does it mean for prognosis?
Should I get immunotherapy for colorectal cancer?
What is the difference between FOLFOX and FOLFIRI?
How does liquid biopsy help monitor colorectal cancer?
What is the role of targeted therapy (cetuximab, bevacizumab) in CRC?
What clinical trials are available for colorectal cancer?
Testing Services for Colorectal Cancer
Genomic testing, liquid biopsy, and molecular profiling services relevant to colorectal cancer
Colorectal Cancer Webinars
From Cancer Patient Lab — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Liquid Biopsy for Cancer: Monitoring Treatment Response
Lauren Leiman, Jenn Dickey
Functional Precision Medicine: Testing Drugs on Your Cancer Cells
Tony Letai, MD, PhD
How to Find the Right Cancer Clinical Trial
Selin Kurnaz, Massive Bio
Cancer Vaccines: How They Work and Who Can Benefit
Lisa Butterfield
How AI Tools Are Changing Cancer Patient-Doctor Conversations
Ezra Cohen, MD
Gut Microbiome and Cancer
Michael Liss, MD, PhD
Self-Care During Cancer Treatment
Thanos Kosmidis
How to Access Cancer Treatments: Insurance, Clinical Trials
Chris Beardmore
Paying for Cancer Treatments
Nancy Novack, Mike Yancey, Kevin Fordney
TIL Therapy: Using Your Own Immune Cells to Fight Cancer
Matthew Dons
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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content is curated from expert webinars hosted by Cancer Patient Lab, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Always consult your oncologist for treatment decisions. Meet our team →