Colorectal Cancer at the Crossroads: The Good, the Bad, and the Future of Platinum-Based Drugs

  • Jia Xuan Kee
  • , Jia Ning Nicolette Yau
  • , Ram Pravin Kumar Muthuramalingam
  • , Xinyi Wang
  • , Wei Heng Chng
  • , Alvaro Lopez-Sanchez
  • , Kevin Kuang Wei Tay
  • , Lih Wen Deng
  • , Dan Gibson
  • , Helene C. Bertrand
  • , Giulia Adriani
  • , Wee Han Ang*
  • , Giorgia Pastorin*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, ranking third in incidence and second in mortality among cancers worldwide. This review addresses the complex landscape of CRC, focusing on incidence, mortality trends, preventive strategies, and the evolving therapeutic approaches, particularly highlighting the role of platinum-based drugs like oxaliplatin (OXP). It also underscores the increasing burden of CRC, with factors such as westernized diets, aging populations, and genetic predispositions contributing to its prevalence. Therapeutically, early detection greatly enhances survival rates, emphasizing the importance of regular colonoscopies and stool tests. For advanced CRC, chemotherapy remains pivotal, with OXP as a cornerstone treatment despite its associated chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN). The review explores innovative strategies to overcome challenges related to chemotherapy, such as drug resistance and side effects, highlighting recent developments in the field, such as Pt(IV) prodrugs and immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Additionally, this manuscript examines experimental models for drug screening, emphasizing the role of murine models and advanced 3D in vitro systems in CRC research. Overall, the review advocates for a comprehensive approach, integrating prevention, early detection, and personalized treatments to alleviate the global burden of CRC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10248-10341
Number of pages94
JournalChemical Reviews
Volume125
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 Nov 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society

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