Predictors of therapeutic and adverse effects of medicines used in the treatment of GI cancers.

Gastrointestinal cancers (gastric, colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancers) are one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. For example, colorectal cancer is the third most deadly and fourth most diagnosed cancer in the world, and in 2018 it is expected that nearly 2 million new cases and about 1 million deaths will be resultant of the disease.
There are many important medicines used in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, however, response and toxicity to these therapies can be highly unpredictable. Fortunately, improved, functioning data sharing platforms are opportunities for independent researchers to access a diverse range of data collected within clinical trials. This data can make it is possible to develop clinical tools that enable improved prediction of therapeutic and adverse outcomes for patients using medicines in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Being able to identify the expected response and adverse effect profile may enable patients and clinicians to make better decisions regarding whether to commence, continue, discontinue or change dosing of medicines used in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.