Cetuximab given every 2 weeks plus irinotecan is an active and safe option for previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
We gathered data from multiple institutions on the cetuximab regimen of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.


METHODS
126 patients from 19 centers were included from July 2006 to July 2007 in this prospective non-controlled study. Irinotecan-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients with Karnofsky >or=70 received cetuximab 500 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks (q2w) in combination with irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) q2w until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the progression-free rate at 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Median age was 65 years; 65.9% male; colon/rectum 64.3/34.1%; Karnofsky status <or=80/>or=90% in 45.3/54.7% of the patients. The progression-free rate was 42.7 (95% CI 32.8-52.6) and 22.4% (95% CI 14.2-30.7) at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. The main grade 3 or 4 toxicities were: diarrhea 13.5% and acne-like rash 10.3%. No grade 3 or 4 infusional or allergic reactions were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
The progression-free rates confirm that cetuximab q2w in combination with irinotecan is an option, and is as active and safe as the standard weekly regimen.
Roca
José-María
JM
Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain.
Alonso
Vicente
V
Pericay
Carles
C
Escudero
Pilar
P
Salud
Antonieta
A
Losa
Ferrán
F
López
Luis-Jesús
LJ
Guasch
Imma
I
Méndez
Miguel
M
Quintero-Aldana
Guillermo
G
Grande
Carlos
C
Vicente
Pilar
P
Arrivi
Antonio
A
Martin
Cristina
C
Moreno
Isabel
I
García
Pilar
P
Antón
Isabel
I
Constenla
Manuel
M
Yubero
Alfonso
A
Cirera
Luis
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D017567:Karnofsky Performance Status; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000077146:Irinotecan; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002166:Camptothecin