Erlotinib, Modified FOLFOX6, and Bevacizumab as First-Line Therapy Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

RATIONALE: Erlotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Erlotinib may help chemotherapy work better by making tumor cells more sensitive to the drugs. Giving erlotinib together with combination chemotherapy and bevacizumab may kill more tumor cells.
PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of erlotinib when given together with combination chemotherapy and bevacizumab as first-line therapy in treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.