Cetuximab given every 2 weeks plus irinotecan is an active and safe option for previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: We gathered data from multiple institutions on the cetuximab regimen of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods: 126 patients from 19 centers were included from July 2006 to July 2007 in this prospective non-controlled study. Irinotecan-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients with Karnofsky >or=70 received cetuximab 500 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks (q2w) in combination with irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) q2w until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.