title: Bevacizumab in first-line therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective comparison of FOLFIRI and XELIRI.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The antivascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody bevacizumab with infusional 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) is a standard first-line treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer. However, clinical data for capecitabine and irinotecan (XELIRI) with bevacizumab are limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was conducted on 139 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to assess the efficacy and safety of first-line bevacizumab in combination with XELIRI or FOLFIRI. Primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate and radical resection rate. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and safety.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences in efficacy were observed between patients administered XELIRI or FOLFIRI with bevacizumab. The ORR, median OS and PFS and recorded adverse events (AEs) were comparable to those previously reported, with no new or unexpected AEs observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bevacizumab is similarly efficacious and well tolerated when administered with XELIRI or FOLFIRI.
authors: Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Slovenia. jocvirk@onko-i.si
authors: Janja
authors: J
authors: Ocvirk
authors: Martina
authors: M
authors: Rebersek
authors: Marko
authors: M
authors: Boc