title: Phase II trial of FOLFOX6, bevacizumab, and cetuximab in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine FOLFOX/bevacizumab/cetuximab in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized phase II trial aimed at achieving a 60% objective response rate (ORR). Due to frequent cetuximab-related hypersensitivity reactions the trial was amended to a single-arm design. Eligibility: Previously untreated mCRC, measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) 0-1.
  
  
  METHODS
  Modified FOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m², leucovorin 350 mg, and 5-fluorouracil 400 mg/m² bolus; 2.4 g/m² infusion, 46 h) day 1; bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on day 1; cetuximab 400 mg/m² on day 1, then 250 mg/m² on days 1 and 8, every 14 days (1 cycle) until progressive disease (PD); restaging occurred every 4 cycles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With emerging negative progression-free survival (PFS) data from a similarly designed trial, this trial closed early. Enrollment (N=31) was from August 2005-June 2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  Median age was 55 years (29-78); 58% were male; 71% were ECOG-PS 0. Ten cycles (median) were completed (range 2-62). The ORR was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36-73%); 11 patients (35%) had stable disease; 1 patient (3%) had PD; 2 patients (6%) were unevaluable. Median PFS was 9 months (95% CI, 8.3-15.2 months); median overall survival was 25.7 months (95% CI, 15.4-27.6 months). Grade 3/4 toxicities (>1 patient) included neutropenia (25%), rash (23%; grade 2 events, 45%), diarrhea (19%), fatigue (16%), pain (16%), anemia (13%), sensory neuropathy (13%), deep-vein thrombosis (10%), nausea (10%), pulmonary embolism (7%), anorexia (6%), and vomiting (6%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this limited trial, it is unclear whether cetuximab contributed to FOLFOX/bevacizumab efficacy, although the response rate, PFS, and overall survival were high. The regimen was generally well-tolerated, with expected skin effects; thromboembolic rates should be assessed in larger analyses. Cetuximab's role in first-line mCRC treatment is likely best guided by K-RAS testing in future clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN 37203, USA, dspigel@tnonc.com
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Spigel
authors.forename: F Anthony
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Greco
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Waterhouse
authors.forename: Dianna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shipley
authors.forename: Cassie M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Vazquez
authors.forename: Bobby L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Infante
authors.forename: Johanna C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Bendell
authors.forename: Howard A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Burris
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Hainsworth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000068818:Cetuximab; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil