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FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab may benefit patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer
The addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOXIRI chemotherapy may be an effective first-line treatment option for patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, according to results of a phase 2 trial.
“BRAFV600E mutation plays a negative prognostic role in metastatic colorectal cancer, leading to a median PFS between 4 and 6 months with first-line conventional treatments,” the researchers wrote.
A retrospective analysis of a phase 2 trial showed the addition of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) to FOLFOXIRI — folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan hydrochloride — might confer PFS and OS benefits in these poor-prognosis patients.
In the current study, researchers wanted to prospectively validate that finding.
The investigators screened 214 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer for BRAF mutations. Fifteen patients (7%) with BRAF-mutant disease were included in a validation cohort.
Median follow-up was 25.7 months. Researchers calculated a 6-month progression-free rate of 73%. Median PFS was 9.2 months and median OS was 24.1 months.
Median follow-up was 40.4 months in the pooled population. Researchers calculated a 6-month progression-free rate of 84%. Median PFS was 11.8 months and median OS was 24.1 months.
The overall response rate was 72% and the disease control rate was 88%.
“Lacking randomized trials in this specific molecular subgroup, FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab might be a reasonable option for the first-line treatment of BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer patients,” the researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The study was partially funded by A.R.C.O. Foundation.
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