title: Cetuximab given every 2 weeks plus irinotecan is an active and safe option for previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain.
authors.forename: José-María
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Roca
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: Carles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pericay
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Escudero
authors.forename: Antonieta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salud
authors.forename: Ferrán
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Losa
authors.forename: Luis-Jesús
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: Imma
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Guasch
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Méndez
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quintero-Aldana
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grande
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vicente
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arrivi
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Antón
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Constenla
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yubero
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cirera
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000077146:Irinotecan; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002166:Camptothecin