Clinical predictors of response to cetuximab-chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical markers to predict which patients with advanced colorectal cancers are likely to benefit from cetuximab-chemotherapy.


METHODS
Retrospective review.


METHODS
Oncology unit in a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong.


METHODS
A total of 102 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab-chemotherapy.


METHODS
Correlation of multiple potential clinical predictive factors with tumour response to cetuximab-chemotherapy.


RESULTS
The objective response rates to cetuximab plus chemotherapy were 53% in patients receiving first-line treatment and 17% in previously treated patients. The univariate analysis indicated that fewer prior lines of chemotherapy (odds ratio=0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.63; P<0.01) and development of cetuximab-related grade 3 rash (5.52; 1.62-18.76; P<0.01) were associated with significantly higher response rates. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent predictive value of the number of prior chemotherapy regimens (odds ratio=0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.69; P<0.01) and grade 3 rash (4.65; 1.21-19.29; P=0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort of Chinese patients with advanced colorectal cancer, the presence of grade 3 rash and the number of prior chemotherapy regimens were independent predictors of response to cetuximab-chemotherapy. The utility of these clinical markers in clinical practice should be further evaluated together with established biomarkers.
State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Ada T W
AT
Ma
Brigette B Y
BB
Ma
Kenny I K
KI
Lei
Frankie K F
FK
Mo
Anthony T C
AT
Chan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000068818:Cetuximab