[Which role do new therapeutic options play in palliative care of colorectal cancer?].

Therapeutic options in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer have recently been expanded by the introduction of two new monoclonal antibodies: bevacizumab and cetuximab. These antibodies were the proof of principle of two exciting new antitumor strategies: antiangiogenesis and inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Bevacizumab binds to vascular endothelial growth factor and thus blocks its angiogenic effects. In a randomized phase III trial bevacizumab in combination with irinotecan + 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (IFL) was compared to chemotherapy alone as first-line treatment. The combination showed a superior response rate, a prolonged progression-free and overall survival. Cetuximab binds to the EGF receptor and thus inhibits its activation by its natural ligand. In a randomized phase II trial irinotecan refractory patients were treated with cetuximab alone or cetuximab plus irinotecan. The combination showed a response rate of 22,5% and a prolonged progression-free survival identifying cetuximab as an important new option for this patient group.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes