Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 25, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 4133
© 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology

This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Download to citation manager Rights & Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Pfeiffer, P. Articles by Nielsen, D. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Pfeiffer, P. Articles by Nielsen, D.

Abstract

Simplification of cetuximab (Cet) administration: double dose every second week as a 60 minute infusion

Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark; Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

4133

Background: CetIri (Cetuximab and irinotecan (Iri)) is effective in pretreated patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACRC). Presently it is recommended that Cet is administered weekly. Inspired by a pharmacokinetic study (Tabernero et al, ASCO 2006), and due to long waiting time to begin CetIri in our institutions, we have gradually simplified the administration of CetIri. Methods: From January to September 2005, patients received standard CetIri (Cet loading dose 400 mg/m² as a 120 minutes infusion and then weekly Cet 250 mg/m² in 60 minutes. Iri 180 mg/m² every second week started 1 hour after completion of Cet). From October 2005 we gradually enhanced the simplicity of administration. Presently Cet 500 mg/m² is administered every 2 weeks. The first course is infused in 120 minutes followed 1 hour later by Iri 180 mg/m² as a 30 minutes infusion. Subsequent courses of Cet are infused in 60 minutes, immediately followed by Iri - resulting in a total treatment time of only 90 minutes per 2 weeks. Results: All patients had ACRC resistant to 5-FU, Iri and Ox and CetIri was offered independently of EGFR expression. 65 consecutive patients with ACRC received standard CetIri and 57 patients biweekly CetIri. There was no difference in patient characteristics. Duration of therapy (4.7 vs 4.1 months), response rate (20 vs 23 %), TTP (5.4 vs 4.8 months) and survival (10.4 vs 9.8 months) were similar. Grade 3–4 non-hematological toxicity was rare (skin toxicity: 8 vs 7%, diarrhea: 10 vs 8 %, fatigue: 8 vs 5 %). Conclusion: Salvage therapy with simplified CetIri every second week is a convenient, effective and well-tolerated regimen in ACRC patients resistant to 5-FU, Iri, and Ox. To confirm results an ongoing phase II study will include 100 patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Abstract presentation from the 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting