Biweekly Cetuximab and Irinotecan for Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Martín-Martorell P, Roselló S, Rodríguez-Braun E, Chirivella I, Bosch A, Cervantes A
Primary Institution: Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Hypothesis
Can biweekly administration of cetuximab and irinotecan improve outcomes for metastatic colorectal cancer patients who have progressed after previous chemotherapy?
Conclusion
The biweekly regimen of cetuximab and irinotecan is effective and has a tolerable safety profile similar to weekly administration.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall response rate was 22.5%, with two complete and seven partial responses.
- The disease control rate was 60%.
- The median time to progression was 3.4 months.
- The median overall survival was 8 months.
- Grade 3/4 adverse effects were observed in 12 patients.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new way to give two cancer medicines every two weeks instead of every week, and it worked just as well without making patients feel worse.
Methodology
This was a phase II single-arm trial where 40 patients received biweekly cetuximab and irinotecan until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single institution and had a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 61 years, with a performance status of 0-2, and most had received prior treatments.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%: 9.6–35.4%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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