Cetuximab and bevacizumab: preclinical data and phase II trial in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated combined targeting with cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody, and bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The combination was studied in human endothelial cells and head and neck and lung cancer xenograft model systems. Patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN were treated with weekly cetuximab and bevacizumab, 15 mg/kg on day 1 given intravenously every 21 days, until disease progression. Analysis of tumor biomarkers and related serum cytokines was performed. RESULTS: Cetuximab plus bevacizumab enhanced growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo, and resulted in potent reduction in tumor vascularization. In the clinical trial, 46 eligible patients were enrolled. The objective response rate was 16% and the disease control rate 73%. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.8 and 7.5 months, respectively. Grade 3-4 adverse events were expected and occurred in less than 10% of patients. transforming growth factor alpha, placenta-derived growth factor, EGFR, VEGFR2 increased and VEGF decreased after treatment but did not correlate with treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Cetuximab and bevacizumab are supported by preclinical observations and are well tolerated and active in previously treated patients with SCCHN.

Phase II trial of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) plus cetuximab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who progressed after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor and is able to reverse the resistance to irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This phase II trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of cetuximab combined with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in the treatment of patients with mCRC progressing under oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND TREATMENT: Forty patients with mCRC were treated with cetuximab (loading dose 400 mg/m(2) and then 250 mg/m(2) i.v. weekly) in combination with CAPOX (d(1): L-OHP 85 mg/m(2) and d(1-7) capecitabine 2000 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks). Thirty-one (77.5%) and nine (22.5%) patients had oxaliplatin-refractory and -resistant disease, respectively; in addition, 32 (80%) patients had also progressed on prior irinotecan-based chemotherapy. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four cycles were administered (median of four cycles per patient). Main toxic effects included grade 3-4 neutropenia (12.5%), grade 3/4 diarrhea (7.5%), grade 3 fatigue (2.5%), and grade 2-3 neurotoxicity (22.5%). One (2.5%) complete and seven (17.5%) partial responses were achieved [overall objective response rate (ORR): 20%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 9% to 32%)], whereas 11 (27.5%) patients had stable disease [disease control rate (DCR): 47.5%; 95% CI: 30.2% to 64.5%]. The ORR and DCR were 18.7% and 46.8%, respectively, in patients with oxaliplatin-refractory disease. The median time to tumor progression was 3 months, the median survival 10.7 months and the probability of 1-year survival rate 53.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of cetuximab plus CAPOX is safe and has a promising activity in patients with mCRC refractory or resistant to oxaliplatin.