[Use of anti-EGFR antibodies (cetuximab and panitumumab) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in KRAS wild type patients].

Cetuximab and panitumumab are anti-EGF receptor antibodies, used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Phase I and II studies have shown an interest in these molecules, after failure of chemotherapy combining 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin (Folfox) or irinotécan (IFL and Folfiri). Cetuximab with irinotécan has been approved by regulatory authorities following the results of a randomized phase II study where the combination arm (cetuximab-irinotécan) was superior to cetuximab alone. Retrospective studies have highlighted the impact of KRAS mutational status in the efficacy of EGFR antibodies. KRAS mutation is associated with a lack of response. Subgroup analysis of prospective studies have confirmed these hypothesis in first and second line metastatic treatment in combination with chemotherapy and in third line in monotherapy. At present cetuximab is approved in combination with chemotherapy in patients with non mutated KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer while panitumumab is only approved in monotherapy after failure of conventional chemotherapy.