Treatment Information

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Colon Cancer treatment details. Chemotherapy, Biologic therapy.

Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy.

Survival: monthsCountry:Italy
Toxiciy Grade:4City/State/Province:Rome
Treatments:Chemotherapy, Biologic therapyHospital:Campus Bio-Medico University
Drugs:Journal:Link
Date:Feb 2006

Description:

Patients: This Phase II study involved 55 patients (21 men, 34 women, median age 63 years) with advanced colorectal cancer. All patients had previously received chemotherapy prior to the study (oxaliplatin-based first-line chemotherapy and an irinotecan-based second-line regimen). Metastatic sites included liver, lung, and lymph nodes.

Treatment: Treatment consisted of two therapeutic agents: a chemotherapy drug called irinotecan and a biological agent called cetuximab. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGFR).

Toxicity: Grade 3-4 toxicities included diarrhea, fatigue, mucositis, neutropenia, and nausea/vomiting.

Results: The median overall survival was 9.8 months. The authors concluded, "this clinical trial provides the demonstration of a substantial clinical activity of the association of cetuximab plus weekly irinotecan as third-line treatment in oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-pretreated colorectal cancer patients."

Correspondence: Professor G. Tonini




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