Published in:
01-09-2012 | Original Paper
Anti-EGFR (cetuximab) combined with irinotecan for treatment of elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)
Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Issue 9/2012
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Purpose
This study was conducted to test the efficacy and toxicity of cetuximab and irinotecan as a biweekly regimen in treatment of elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Patients and methods
Forty-nine elderly patients (≥65 years) with mCRC who progressed after at least one previous line of treatment were enrolled into this study from May 2008 to January 2011. All recruited patients received cetuximab 500 mg/m2 and irinotecan 180 mg/m2 every 2 weeks.
Results
Thirty-seven patients (76 %) were men, and 76 % of patients had colonic cancer in origin. Median age was 69 years. Median overall survival time was 7 months, and median progression-free survival was 4 months. Grade 3–4 skin rash occurred in 20 % of patients, grade 3–4 diarrhea in 18 % of patients, and neutropenia in 28 % of patients.
Conclusion
Cetuximab combined with irinotecan when administered biweekly is safe and effective for treatment of pretreated elderly patients with mCRC.