Regorafenib and trifluridine/tipiracil are standard third-line chemotherapies for colorectal cancer patients, but their efficacy is limited. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody rechallenge has been reported to be promising for patients who have obtained clinical benefit from first-line cetuximab-based chemotherapy. Moreover, panitumumab showed non-inferior efficacy to cetuximab.

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of third-line panitumumab rechallenge in patients with metastatic KRAS exon 2 wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer who obtained clinical benefit from first-line panitumumab-based chemotherapy.

This was a prospective, multicenter, phase II trial conducted from October 2013 to August 2017. Major eligibility criteria included KRAS exon 2 wild-type and achievement of complete response, partial response, or continued stable disease for at least 6 months in first-line panitumumab-based therapy. Irinotecan plus panitumumab treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity was observed. The primary endpoint was the 3-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate.

Twenty-five patients were enrolled in this study. Their median age was 66.5 years, and the 3-month PFS rate was 50.0% (95% confidence interval 30.0-70.0). The median PFS and overall survival were 3.1 months and 8.9 months, respectively. The response rate and disease control rate were 8.3% and 50.0%, respectively. Common grade 3/4 adverse events were acneiform rash (17%), hypomagnesemia (13%), and dry skin (13%). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

Irinotecan plus panitumumab rechallenge is a promising third-line treatment regimen in patients with metastatic wild-type KRAS colorectal cancer.

UMIN000015916.