Dr. Peeters Discusses the Efficacy and Safety of Panitumumab Versus Cetuximab in CRC

Marc Peeters, MD, PhD, department of oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerpen, Belgium, discusses the efficacy and safety of panitumumab versus cetuximab as seen in the ASPECCT trial in colorectal cancer (CRC).

The ASPECCT trial examined panitumumab and cetixumab in chemotherapy-resistant patients with colorectal cancer. Peeters says the trial found that there is no difference in progression-free survival or overall response between the two agents. However, the study did show there are some differences in toxicity.

Hypomagnesemia is more commonly seen in patients treated with panitumumab while there are more infusion reactions seen in patients treated with cetixumab, Peeters says. However, the occurrence and severity of skin toxicities seems to be very similar between the two agents.

Peeters says from an efficacy standpoint, the two agents are similar but the mild differences in toxicity seen between the two agents may play a role in the decision-making process of each patient.