511 Background: Strong evidence is emerging about the usefulness of mutational profiling for CRC pts. This study aimed to evaluate the overall survival in three molecular groups, taking as reference the all-wild type category: (1) BRAF mutated; (2) KRAS mutated codons 12-13 only; (3) any of KRAS codons 61-146, PIK3CA exon 9-20 or NRAS cod 12-13-61 mutations. Also clinical variables were investigated as potential prognostic factors. Methods: Data of 194 consecutive pts treated for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) at our University Hospital in Udine, Italy, between Jan 2004 and Jan 2013 were reviewed. Point mutations were detected by pyrosequencing platform PyroMark Q96 ID instrument for KRAS/NRAS codons 12, 13, 61, and 146, BRAF exon 15, and PIK3CA exons 9 and 20. Clinical and molecular prognostic factors were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The all wild-type population consisted of 76 pts (39%). 62 cases (32%) harboured mutations in KRAS codons 12-13. BRAF V600E mutation was found in 10 (5.2%) samples. Mutations in KRAS 61-146, PIK3CA and NRAS codons were detected in 9 (4.6%), 32 (16.5%) and 6 (3.1%) pts, respectively. All factors significant in univariate analysis were subjected to multivariate analysis (see Table). The all-wild type category had the longest survival (27.7 months). Patients carrying BRAF mutations reported an overall survival of 7.6 months and those with KRAS 12-13 mutation 16.7 months. Conclusions: This study reinforces the prognostic value of a full mutational molecular profile and points out some prognostic clinical factors in CRC. The influence of clinical variables such as right colon cancer, primary tumour not resected, exposure to bevacizumab and lines of chemotherapy need further investigation. [Table: see text]
The combination of erlotinib and gemcitabine is a recognized option for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer whose common adverse events such as skin rash, diarrhea, or fatigue are usually easily manageable. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening toxicity reported in patients with non-small-cell lung cancers treated with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors or gemcitabine. This side effect is extremely rare in patients with pancreatic cancer. We report fatal treatment-related ILD that occurred in a 67-year-old patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Risk factors and pathophysiology of ILD need further investigation but caution is highly recommended for patients with an underlying pulmonary disease when using erlotinib in monotherapy or combination therapy.
