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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 14, 2027; 33(2): 123996
Published online Jan 14, 2027. doi: 10.3748/wjg.123996
Published online Jan 14, 2027. doi: 10.3748/wjg.123996
Clinical advances in later-line therapy for metastatic or refractory colorectal cancer
Li Ma, Xia Liu, Division of Abdominal Tumor, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Ying Zhang, Division of Internal Medicine, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Yong Luo, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan Province, China
Co-first authors: Li Ma and Xia Liu.
Author contributions: Ma L and Liu X contributed equally as co-first authors. Ma L was involved in the collection and organization of the literature and the writing of the article; Liu X contributed to the collection and organization of the literature and the drafting of the tables; Zhang Y undertook the review of the figures and text; Luo Y was responsible for the review and revision of the article and tables. All authors approved the final version to publish.
AI contribution statement: We have thoroughly revised the language expression to improve its readability and academic fluency. It should be clearly stated that no AI-generated writing content was used throughout the entire writing and revision process.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Yong Luo, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan Province, China. luoyong@wchscu.edu.cn
Received: June 5, 2026
Revised: August 10, 2026
Accepted: September 24, 2026
Published online: January 14, 2027
Processing time: 157 Days and 7 Hours
Revised: August 10, 2026
Accepted: September 24, 2026
Published online: January 14, 2027
Processing time: 157 Days and 7 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This narrative review synthesizes the latest literature from PubMed and other databases published in the past 5 years. It mainly analyzes trial design, enrolled populations, and primary endpoints. By reviewing outcomes of combination regimens and phase I/II trials of novel agents, we evaluate the clinical applicability of various later-line therapies for colorectal cancer. Our team emphasizes combination strategies using existing drugs, highlighting that improved efficacy does not solely rely on new drug development.