Der Internist
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This article deals with the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (stage IV). The treatment goals and approaches are determined by the resectability status of the metastases: resectable liver and lung metastases are primarily resected and perioperative chemotherapy appears to be dispensable. In potentially resectable metastases, a conversion therapy is attempted to enable a potentially curative resection. ⋯ For some patients with stage IV, molecular targeted therapies are available. The study situation and approval status are dealt with in detail. With improved molecular characterization of tumors the treatment can be further individualized.