Epiregulin gene expression as a biomarker of benefit from cetuximab in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anti-EGFR antibody, cetuximab, improves overall survival (OS) in K-ras wild-type chemotherapy-refractory colorectal cancer. Epidermal growth factor receptor ligand epiregulin (EREG) gene expression may further predict cetuximab benefit.

Methods

Tumour samples from a phase III clinical trial of cetuximab plus best supportive care (BSC) vs BSC alone (CO.17) were analysed for EREG mRNA gene expression. Predictive effects of high vs low EREG on OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were examined for treatment-biomarker interaction.

Results

Both EREG and K-ras status were ascertained in 385 (193 cetuximab, 192 BSC) tumour samples. Within the high EREG and K-ras wild-type status ('co-biomarker')-positive group (n=139, 36%), median PFS was 5.4 vs 1.9 months (haza

SUBMITTER: Jonker DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3915121 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature