Cetuximab metastatic colorectal cancer strategy (ERMES) study: A phase III randomized two arm study with FOLFIRI + cetuximab until disease progression compared to FOLFIRI + cetuximab for 8 cycles followed by cetuximab alone until disease progression in first-line treatment of patients with RAS and BRAF wild type metastatic colorectal cancer.

TPS810Background: The optimal duration and content of first-line therapy in mCRC pts once they have achieved objective response is controversial. In the FIRE-3 trial, ETS was significantly associated with PFS and OS. Based on this evidence it can be hypothesized that once this goal has been achieved, further exposure to combined antineoplastic treatment may not result in improvement or preservation of such result but only in an increase of toxicity. We designed a strategy study to compare FOLFIRI + cetuximab until PD to FOLFIRI + cetuximab for 8 cycles followed by cetuximab alone until PD in first line treatment of RAS/BRAF WT mCRC pts. Methods: This is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase III trial. Untreated and unresecteble RAS/BRAF WT mCRC pts were randomized 1:1 to receive Cetuximab (400 mg/mq w1 and then 250 mg/mq weekly) + FOLFIRI until PD (standard arm) or Cetuximab (400 mg/mq week 1 and then 250 mg/mq weekly) + FOLFIRI for 8 cycles followed by Cetuximab monotherapy until PD (experimental a...