Clinical Edge

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EGFR Inhibitors Benefit Metastatic CRC Patients

Cochrane; 2017 Jun 27; Chan, et al

Epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody (EGFR Mab) drugs reduce disease progression and improve survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, according to a recent review of the evidence published by the Cochrane Library. Details of the analysis include the following:

  • When used in combination with standard treatment, EGFR Mabs are effective in patients whose tumors are KRAS wide type, ie, those that do not have mutations in the KRAS gene.
  • KRAS wide type patients experience a 30% reduction in the risk of disease progression and a 12% reduced risk of death.
  • EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which include agents such as erlotinib and gefitinib, do not improve clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Citation:

Chan DLH, Segelov E, Wong RSH, et al. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for metastatic colorectal cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD007047. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007047.pub2.