In a nutshell
This study compared the efficacy and safety of two drug regimens in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Some background
Cetuxima (Erbitux) prolongs survival of patients with metastatic (spread beyond the original location of the tumor) colorectal cancer. The effects of cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy regimens that include oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) for the initial treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer are unclear.
Methods & findings
This study compared the efficacy and safety of two cetuximab drug regimens in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. 37 patients were treated with FOLFOX (a combination of lecovorin calcium, fluorouracil [Efudex] and oxaliplatin) and cetuximab (Group 1). 25 patients were treated with XELOX (a combination of capecitabine [Xeloda] and oxaliplatin) and cetuximab (Group 2). Treatment was discontinued upon disease progression or intolerable drug toxicity (adverse effects). Patients were monitored for response rates, survival rates and side effects. Tumor size was recorded before treatment and throughout treatment duration.
Response rates were similar in both groups. 64.9% of Group 1 patients responded. In comparison, 72.0% of Group 2 patients responded. Significant tumor shrinkage was observed in 88.7% of all patients. Group 1 patients were free from disease progression for an average of 13.1 months. Similarly, Group 2 patients did not experience disease progression for an average of 13.4 months. Patients in Group 1 survived for an average of 38.1 months. Group 2 patients survived for an average of 47.0 months.
The most common severe side effects in all patients were low white blood cell count and skin problems due to cetuximab. Hand-foot syndrome (redness, swelling and pain) was observed in Group 2 patients only.
The bottom line
The authors suggested that FOLFOX and cetuximab and XELOX and cetuximab could be effective and safe treatment regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer.
The fine print
Further tests are required to confirm these findings.
What’s next?
Consult your doctor if you would like to discuss your drug regimen.
Published By :
BMC cancer
Date :
Oct 19, 2015