Appropriate interruption of cetuximab may balance efficacy and toxicity: a case of long-term treatment with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab

Abstract

A case of long-term treatment with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab was presented. A 77-year-old Japanese male was introduced FOLFIRI plus cetuximab as second line treatment. Although the CT revealed partial response, dermatologic adverse event was rather severe and eventually the case required cetuximab cessation. During the FOLFIRI without cetuximab period, CT evaluation revealed disease progression, but after the re-introduction of cetuximab, partial response was observed again. The course of this case would suggest the importance of appropriate cessation of cetuximab in order to balance the efficacy and toxicity, resulting in long treatment period like OPTIMOX strategy.