Efficacy and Skin Toxicity Management with Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Outcomes from an Oncologic and Dermatologic Cooperation

    January 2008 in “ Clinical colorectal cancer ”
    Patrizia Racca, Laura Fanchini, Virginia Caliendo, Giuliana Ritorto, W. Evangelista, Roberta Volpatto, E. Milanesi, Angelica Ciorba, Myriam Paris, Ivan Facilissimo, Giuseppe Macripò, Mario Clerico, Libero Ciuffreda
    TLDR Combining irinotecan and cetuximab is effective for some metastatic colorectal cancer patients but often causes manageable skin issues.
    The study investigated the efficacy and skin toxicity management of combining irinotecan and cetuximab in 34 patients with EGFR-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients received cetuximab and irinotecan, and 32 were evaluated for response rate and skin toxicity. Results showed a complete response in 1 patient (3%), partial response in 11 patients (34%), disease stabilization in 6 patients (19%), and progressive disease in 14 patients (44%). Skin toxicity included grade 1 eruptions in 10 patients (29%), grade 2 in 13 patients (38%), and grade 3 in 4 patients (12%). Allergic reactions occurred in 2 patients (6%). Most skin effects were mild to moderate and reversible within 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation. The study concluded that proper management of EGFR cutaneous side effects by an oncologic/dermatologic team improved patients' quality of life.
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