Randomized phase III trial results of panitumumab, a fully human anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody, in metastatic colorectal cancer

Monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor have proven efficacy as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC; mCRC). Initial clinical trials in CRC used the human-murine chimeric monoclonal antibody cetuximab. Ongoing studies are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fully human anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody panitumumab. The results of a phase III trial, which compared panitumumab as a single agent to best supportive care in patients with previously treated metastatic CRC, have recently been reported. Panitumumab therapy resulted in a 46% reduction in the risk of tumor progression and a partial response rate of 8%. Rash was reported in 90% of patients, with increased severity significantly correlated with improved median overall survival (OS). Further clinical studies are ongoing and planned to test panitumumab in combination with chemotherapy in first-line therapy of advanced-stage CRC and adjuvant treatment of colon cancer.