Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance – November 1st, 2006

David Cameron

Martine Piccart

Eric Van Cutsem

Jim Cassidy

Volker Heinemann

Lapatinib Better for Patients with HER2+ Refractory Breast Cancer Pre-treated with Chemotherapy and Trastuzumab

REFERENCE: ESMO 2006, Abstract: 141O
David Cameron, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
COMMENT: Martine Piccart, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels
A near doubling of time to progression has been achieved among patients already treated with chemotherapy and trastuzumab who had HER2+ refractory advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This was achieved with the addition of lapatinib which targets both the epidermal growth factory receptor (EGFR) and the HER2 receptor. David Cameron presented results of a phase III trial which was stopped early because of a significant benefit in the lapatinib arm. At the Istantanbul conference he discussed his findings with Sarah Maxwell, who heard comments on the results from Martine Piccart.

EVEREST Study: Some Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Can Benefit From Higher Cetuximab Doses

REFERENCE: ESMO 2006. Abstract: LBA 4
Eric Van Cutsem, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who do not get a skin rash when treated with the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab (which normally indicates a good response to the drug) may still benefit from increased doses of this molecular agent. Eric Van Cutsem presented his findings at the ESMO conference in Istanbul and talked with Sarah Maxwell.

Capecitabine Good For Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Bevacizumab Brings Further Benefit

REFERENCE: ESMO 2006. Abstract: LBA3
Jim Cassidy, University of Glasgow
The oral pro-drug capecitabine is just as effective as standard 5-flurouracyl-leucovorin as first line therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. That’s the finding of a study announced at the ESMO conference by Jim Cassidy who also presented data on the benefit of adding the molecular agent bevacizumab (Avastin) to this easy-to-take regimen. During the Istanbul conference he spoke to Sarah Maxwell.

Cetuximab Improves Response to Chemotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

REFERENCE: ESMO 2006. Abstract: 327O
Volker Heinemann, Klinikum der Universität Münchenn

The anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agent cetuximab improves response to standard chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Volker Heinemann presented data at the ESMO conference in Istanbul from studies in which this molecular agent was added to both irinotecan and oxaliplatin containing regimens. He discussed his findings with Sarah Maxwell.