Colon cancer trial of Vectibix is recruiting

THOUSAND OAKS, California—Amgen is currently enrolling patients in a phase III study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of panitumumab (Vectibix) in combination with chemotherapy (FOLFIRI), compared with FOLFIRI alone as second-line chemotherapy in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.

Vectibix is a fully human anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. It was FDA approved in 2006 for third-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with disease progression on or following chemotherapy regimens based on fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), or irinotecan (Camptosar). The approval was based on improved progression-free survival data.

The study is open to men and women whose metastatic disease has progressed while on or following treatment with a standard first-line chemotherapy regimen that includes 5-fluorouracil. Patients must have ECOG performance status of 0-2, radiologically documented disease progression, at least one measurable lesion of at least 20 mm, no prior irinotecan therapy, and no prior anti-EGFR therapy.

Physicians or patients interested in exploring study participation can log on to www.AmgenTrials.com or call 1-800-772-6436 (1-800-77-AMGEN).