Clinical predictors of response to cetuximab-chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To identify clinical markers to predict which patients with advanced colorectal cancers are likely to benefit from cetuximab-chemotherapy.

DESIGN:

Retrospective review.

SETTING:

Oncology unit in a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

PATIENTS:

A total of 102 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab-chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Correlation of multiple potential clinical predictive factors with tumour response to cetuximab-chemotherapy.

RESULTS:

The objective response rates to cetuximab plus chemotherapy were 53% in patients receiving first-line treatment and 17% in previously treated patients. The univariate analysis indicated that fewer prior lines of chemotherapy (odds ratio=0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.63; P<0.01) and development of cetuximab-related grade 3 rash (5.52; 1.62-18.76; P<0.01) were associated with significantly higher response rates. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent predictive value of the number of prior chemotherapy regimens (odds ratio=0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.69; P<0.01) and grade 3 rash (4.65; 1.21-19.29; P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this cohort of Chinese patients with advanced colorectal cancer, the presence of grade 3 rash and the number of prior chemotherapy regimens were independent predictors of response to cetuximab-chemotherapy. The utility of these clinical markers in clinical practice should be further evaluated together with established biomarkers.

• Authors: Ada T W Ma, Brigette B Y Ma, Kenny I K Lei, Frankie K F Mo, Anthony T C Chan
• Journal: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi (Hong Kong Med J) Vol. 16 Issue 3 Pg. 207-12 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1024-2708 [Print] China
• PMID: 20519757 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Cetuximab

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis)
• Cetuximab
• Colorectal Neoplasms (drug therapy, secondary)
• Exanthema (chemically induced)
• Female
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Predictive Value of Tests
• Treatment Outcome