First Line mFOLFOXIRI + PANITUMUMAB vs mFOLFOX + PANITUMUMAB IN RAS AND BRAF WT METASTATIC COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS

* The association of FOLFOX (5-fluoruracil, folinic acid, and oxaliplatin) and pan is a standard option for the first-line treatment of unresectable RAS and BRAF wt mCRC patients.
* The phase III TRIBE trial recently demonstrated that FOLFOXIRI (5-fluoruracil, folinic acid, oxaliplatin and irinotecan) plus bev significantly prolongs PFS and OS and increases RECIST response rate, ETS and DoR, as compared to FOLFIRI (5-fluoruracil folinic acid, and irinotecan) plus bev. The advantage provided by the intensification of the upfront chemotherapy backbone is independent of RAS and BRAF mutational status.
* Some phase II trials recently assessed the safety and activity of the combination of three-drugs chemotherapy regimens with an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. Promising activity results in terms of RECIST response rate and R0 resection rate have been achieved, with some safety concerns with special regards to gastrointestinal toxicity.
* In the phase II randomized MACBETH study the combination of a modified schedule of FOLFOXIRI with cetuximab determined remarkable activity results, with an acceptable and manageable safety profile.
* The optimal duration of the upfront treatment with chemotherapy plus anti-EGFRs is not established. The phase II MACRO-2 trial suggested that interrupting FOLFOX after 4 months while continuing cet alone as maintenance, is a reasonable option.
* Activity parameters (RECIST response rate, ETS, DoR) are clinically relevant endpoints, associated with longer survival, in particular with anti-EGFR moAb-based treatment.
On the basis of these considerations, we designed the present phase III randomized trial of first-line mFOLFOXIRI plus pan versus mFOLFOX6 plus pan in RAS and BRAF wt unresectable mCRC patients.