The role of cetuximab in the therapy of previously treated advanced colorectal cancer.
Much remains to be learned about the best ways to integrate molecular-targeted therapies into the chemotherapeutic armamentarium. The epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab has been extensively evaluated in patients with chemotherapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer. In patients with irinotecan-refractory or irinotecan/oxaliplatin-refractory disease, single-agent cetuximab has produced a partial response in 9% to 11.6% of patients and stable disease in 21.6% to 36.8%. In irinotecan-resistant disease, the combination of cetuximab and irinotecan has resulted in partial responses in 17% to 22.9% of patients and stable disease in 31% to 32.6%. The degree of epidermal growth factor receptor expression has not been predictive of treatment response; severity of a characteristic acneiform rash does appear to be predictive of response. Ongoing trials in colorectal cancer are examining the combination of cetuximab and bevacizumab with or without irinotecan in irinotecan-refractory disease, irinotecan with or without cetuximab in oxaliplatin-refractory disease, and FOLFOX4 with or without cetuximab in patients receiving first-line irinotecan treatment.
Chong
Geoff
G
Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, United Kingdom.
Cunningham
David
D
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab