[Long-term beneficial effects of cetuximab in a woman with metastasised rectal carcinoma without expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor].
A 37-year-old woman presented with an epidermal growth factor-(EGFR)-negative rectum carcinoma with liver metastases. After extensive treatment, consisting of first-line chemotherapy, low anterior resection, isolated liver perfusion, second- and third-line chemotherapy and a pericardiodesis with bleomycin, she was subsequently treated with combination irinotecan and cetuximab therapy. At her last follow-up she had had long-term stable disease for 18 months with clinical benefit. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody which targets EGFRR. This exceptional case illustrates that treatment with cetuximab may be of benefit to a patient with EGFR-negative colorectal cancer. The exact mechanism of action and the role ofcetuximab in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer have still to be determined.
Kroep
J R
JR
Afd. Medische Oncologie, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden.
Gelderblom
H
H
Collen
A F S
AF
Nortier
J W R
JW
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab