Journal of Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis

Abstract

Sustained Efficacy of Cetuximab after Therapy Discontinuation in a Patient with Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Gerardo Rosati, Enrico Scarano, Antonio Avallone and Domenico Bilancia

In pivotal phase II and III studies, the targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab has been shown to improve the efficacy of standard chemotherapy regimens used in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Safety data analyses from these studies indicate that cetuximab plus chemotherapy appears to be associated with a higher incidence of grade 3-4 adverse events than chemotherapy alone. In particular, dermatological toxicity and skin reactions can require an early discontinuation therapy affecting clinical outcomes. Herein, we present one case which document a sustained long-lasting efficacy of cetuximab triggered by a presumable immune response after discontinuation of therapy, in order to focus on the possibility to suggest a different use of antibody.