ASCO favors routine KRAS test in colon ca
SAN FRANCISCO-ASCO released a provisional clinical opinion that recommends routine KRAS testing to guide treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix).
SAN FRANCISCO-ASCO released a provisional clinical opinion that recommends routine KRAS testing to guide treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix).
The PCO (www.asco.org/pco/kras) states that all patients with metastatic colon cancer, who have the wild-type form of the gene and who are candidates for anti-EFGR therapy, have their tumors tested.
If a patient has a mutated form of the KRAS gene, the PCO recommends against the use of anti-EFGR antibody therapy. An economic analysis presented at the 2008 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium found that routine testing for KRAS gene mutations could save the U.S. health system up to $604 million per year in the cost of cetuximab alone.
How Supportive Care Methods Can Improve Oncology Outcomes
Experts discussed supportive care and why it should be integrated into standard oncology care.
