Capecitabine (X) compared to X + erlotinib (E) as first-line treatment in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC): Interim efficacy results from a randomized phase II study
14560 Background: The oral fluoropyrimidine X (Xeloda®) has efficacy, safety and convenience benefits vs. 5-FU/LV in adjuvant / first-line CRC. E (Tarceva®) inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which predicts poor prognosis. A randomized open-label phase II study was performed to establish activity of X alone vs. X + E (XE) in first-line. Methods: Pts (ECOG PS 0–2 and/or elevated LDH) with MCRC not eligible for immediate surgical metastatectomy and unwilling/unable to undergo combination chemotherapy were randomized to X (1000mg/m2/d bid d1–14 q3w) or XE (X 1000mg/m2/d bid d1–14 q3w + E 150mg/d). A third arm (E alone) was included but dropped after 13 pts, following safety committee review of progressions at first CT scan. Primary endpoint: time to progression (TTP). Results: 59 pts (median age 65y, range 46–84; 44 M, 15 F) have been accrued (X=21; XE=25; E=13). Mean time on study: 3.8 months (range 0.2–12). 9 pts are on active treatment, 21 pts on follow-up and 29 pts have died. Interim efficacy results are available for 50 pts (X n=15; XE n=22, E n=13). There were no significant differences in response rate, median TTP (4.9 vs. 9.2 months) and median overall survival (18.2 vs. 15.1 months) for X vs. XE. Grade 3 adverse events (AEs) with X were diarrhea, nausea, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), angina, dyspnea (all 5%). Corresponding rates of grade 3 AEs with XE were diarrhea (20%), fatigue (16%), stomatitis (12%), HFS (8%), vomiting (8%), dehydration (8%), thrombosis, weight loss, decreased appetite, dry eyes, headache, anxiety, abdominal pain, anorexia, hyponatremia (all 4%). The only grade 4 AEs were skin rash (4%) and subjective weakness (4%) - both XE. Conclusions: Interim results indicate that XE is at least as effective as X alone in first-line MCRC. Recruitment is continuing and further follow-up may help fully determine the potential benefits of adding E to X. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.