The importance of optimal drug sequencing in metastatic colorectal cancer: biological rationales for the observed survival benefit conferred by first-line treatment with EGFR inhibitors

摘要: Introduction: Use of both the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab and epidermal receptor (EGFR) inhibitors cetuximab panitumumab as potential first-line therapies for patients with RAS-wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer presents clinicians an important decision. We review clinical data evaluating treatment EGFR inhibitors. Additionally, by undertaking integrated ‘bench-to-bedside’ approach, we provide models, testable hypotheses biological rationales that might account these observations.Areas covered: A literature search encompassing PubMed ASCO/ESMO websites was undertaken in October 2014. Search terms included ‘colorectal cancer’, ‘cetuximab’, ‘panitumumab’ ‘bevacizumab’.Expert opinion: number studies indicate a survival benefit receiving combination chemotherapy setting, relative to alone VEGF inh...