First-line anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in panRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The use of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) is restricted in Europe to RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. While up today these targeted agents have been mainly chosen as salvage treatment in later lines, their use in first-line in combination with chemotherapy is highly debated.

Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, ASCO University, ESMO/ECCO conferences were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing first-line anti-EGFR MoAbs cetuximab or panitumumab plus chemotherapy to chemotherapy alone or with bevacizumab in patients with RAS wild-type colorectal cancer. Data extraction was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results: Seven eligible RCTs were identified. In the overall RAS wild-type population (N=2719), anti-EGFR MoAbs significantly improved OS (HR=0.81; 95%CI, 0.71-0.92; p=0.002), PFS (HR=0.77; 95%CI, 0.60-0.98; p=0.03) and objective response rate (ORR) (RR=1.33; 95%CI, 1.09-1.62; p=0.004). The addition of an anti-EGFR MoAb to chemotherapy alone improved PFS (p<0.001) and ORR (p<0.001) with a trend toward longer OS (p=0.07). As compared to bevacizumab, anti-EGFR MoAbs significantly improved OS (HR=0.80; 95%CI, 0.69-0.92; p=0.003), but not PFS (HR=0.94; 95%CI, 0.74-1.19; p=0.59) or ORR (RR=1.10; 95%CI, 0.97-1.25; p=0.12). No significant differences were found with respect to the chemotherapy backbone (oxaliplatin- versus irinotecan-based).

Conclusions: The choice of an anti-EGFR MoAb as first-line biologic is a valid option in RAS wild-type patients candidate to a doublet with infusional 5-FU. While attempting to further refine molecular selection, clinical considerations are crucial in planning the treatment strategy.