Anti-EGFR (cetuximab) combined with irinotecan for treatment of elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

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/m(2) and irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) 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.