EGFR Gene Copy Number and Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Mario Scartozzi, Italo Bearzi, Alessandra Mandolesi, Chiara Pierantoni, Fotios Loupakis, Alberto Zaniboni, Francesca Negri, Antonello Quadri, Fausto Zorzi, Eva Galizia, Rossana Berardi, Tommasina Biscotti, Roberto Labianca, Gianluca Masi, Alfredo Falcone, Stefano Cascinu
Primary Institution: Clinica di Oncologia Medica, AO Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
Hypothesis
The study investigates the correlation between EGFR gene copy number (GCN) and clinical outcomes in K-RAS wild-type colorectal cancer patients treated with irinotecan-cetuximab.
Conclusion
Both FISH and CISH EGFR GCN may effectively help select patients with K-RAS wild-type colorectal cancer for cetuximab treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- FISH EGFR GCN ≥ 2.6 was associated with a 60% partial remission rate.
- CISH EGFR GCN ≥ 2.12 was associated with a 36% partial remission rate.
- Median time to progression was significantly longer in patients with higher EGFR GCN.
Takeaway
Doctors can use tests to see how many copies of a gene are in cancer cells to help decide if a medicine will work for patients with a certain type of cancer.
Methodology
Patients with advanced K-RAS wild-type colorectal cancer receiving irinotecan-cetuximab after failure of irinotecan-based chemotherapy were analyzed for EGFR GCN using FISH and CISH.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and retrospective analysis.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all variables affecting treatment response.
Participant Demographics
44 patients, 23 males (52%), 21 females (48%), median age 66 (range 39–78).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.002 for FISH, p = 0.03 for CISH
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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