Patient considerations in metastatic colorectal cancer – role of panitumumab

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in many malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), making EGFR an attractive treatment option. Panitumumab and cetuximab, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed at EGFR, are both currently utilized in the management of metastatic CRC (mCRC). Through the development of these agents in mCRC, key issues surrounding each mAbs use have been revealed. These key issues include negative patient outcome avoidance when determining use, the economic burden with high-cost medication, predictive biomarkers, tumor location, patient geographic location, patient quality of life, and the prevention of debilitating adverse effects. CRC remains a common malignancy, with many of these patients expected to receive targeted therapy, including EGFR mAb therapy. Oncologists must recognize these EGFR mAb factors in order to improve outcomes. This review aims to provide a chronological timeline on the development of panitumumab, clinical pearls, and guidance on the current use of panitumumab in mCRC.

Keywords:

• receptor
• epidermal growth factor
• antineoplastic agent
• antibodies
• monoclonal
• colorectal neoplasms

Introduction

Panitumumab is an IgG₂ fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the ligand-binding domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).^1–6 Targeted therapy, including panitumumab, administered alone or in combination with traditional antineoplastics, has been incorporated into metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) management for beyond a decade. EGFR and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) represent mCRC targets with current approved United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) therapy.

Colorectal cancer: incidence and agents

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a common worldwide malignancy, representing 10% of all new cancer cases globally.⁷ A sizable percentage of CRC patients will be candidates for targeted therapy as 20%–25% present with metastatic disease, while another 20%–35% develop recurrence following curative early stage treatment.^5,8–10 Metastatic disease has a median overall survival (OS) at ~30 months.¹¹ The mCRC OS improvement over the last few decades, from 10 to 12 months’ survival seen with 5-fluorouracil combined with leucovorin modulation to currently beyond 30 months, is multifactorial.^11–13 Influencing survival are aggressive selective metastatic disease surgical resection and increased localized therapies, largely due to the expanded systemic treatment options available, including therapies targeting EGFR and VEGF.^11,14 Eleven mCRC antineoplastics are currently the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and include, in order of approval, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, cetuximab, panitumumab, ziv-aflibercept, regorafenib, ramucirumab, and trifluridine-tipiracil (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Timeline mCRC FDA antineoplastic approval.

Abbreviations: mCRC, metastatic colorectal cancer; FDA, United States Food and Drug Administration.

Cetuximab, an IgG₁ chimeric (human; murine) mAb targeting EGFR, was first FDA approved in February 2004.^1,5,15 Panitumumab obtained FDA approval shortly after, in September 2006, along with authorization in 2007 with The European Medicines Agency and in 2008 with Health Canada.^1,4,16 Both EGFR mAbs provide an excellent example of knowledge obtained surrounding cancer targets as patient selection is key and not all patients will derive benefit. Mutations in the rat sarcoma (RAS) oncogene, a downstream pathway to EGFR, have shown to be a predictive biomarker of resistance when cetuximab or panitumumab are given to patients that harbor these mutations.¹⁷ Despite vast improvements in OS, 5-year OS for mCRC currently remains poor at 13%, revealing the need for further therapies as well as the proper use of currently approved agents.⁸ Oncologists must recognize the correct placement of targeted therapy to improve mCRC outcomes, while avoiding negative outcomes, debilitating adverse effects, and economic concerns. This article aims to provide guidance on panitumumab use in the mCRC setting.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

EGFR/HER1/ErbB-1, a tyrosine kinase transmembrane receptor belonging to the ErbB family, plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation in many malignancies due to EGFR dysregulation.^5,16 Many ligands, in addition to epidermal growth factor (EGF), are involved in EGFR activation, including transforming growth factor alpha, amphiregulin, betacellulin, epigen, epiregulin, and heparin-binding EGF. These various ligands are capable of binding to the extracellular ligand-binding domain to activate downstream mechanisms for tumor development and proliferation. EGFR activation leads to several signaling pathways, including RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3CK/AKT/mTOR, Src family kinases, STATs, and PLCγ-PKC, thus leading to cell survival through tumor growth, angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and migration.

EGFR overexpression is seen in 60%–80% of CRC patients, making EGFR mAb inhibition an attractive treatment option.^2,5,16 EGFR mAbs, cetuximab and panitumumab, inhibit EGFR by binding to the extracellular ligand-binding domain to compete with these endogenous ligands from binding.^1,4,5,15,16 By blocking the binding site, inhibition of ligand-induced tyrosine kinase activation can ensue and lead to EGFR cellular internalization and degradation, allowing for cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. There are four extracellular binding domains with domains I and III contributing to ligand binding: both mAbs bind to domain III.¹⁶ Subtle differences in cetuximab and panitumumab’s mechanisms exist. Panitumumab has a higher binding affinity than cetuximab.^3,5,16 However, cetuximab’s mechanism of action is thought to additionally have an immunologic-mediated response with antibody-dependent cellular toxicity due to cetuximab’s IgG₁ chimeric mAb structure. Although slight mechanism differences exist between these two agents, clinically cetuximab and panitumumab are currently recommended similarly in mCRC therapy.^1,2,11,14

Panitumumab is commercially dosed at 6 mg/kg intravenous over 60–90 minutes (infusion time dependent on dose calculated) every 2 weeks and exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics with a half-life of 7.5 days.^1–4 Panitumumab binds to EGFR, and it is internalized inside the cell. Premedication is not required for administration given the fully human mAb structure.⁴ Age, concomitant chemotherapy, gender, race, mild-to-moderate renal and liver dysfunction, and EGFR membrane expression showed no impact on panitumumab’s pharmacokinetics.^1,4,6 As with other mAbs and endogenous immunoglobulins, panitumumab, in addition to EGFR degradation, is eliminated by the reticuloendothelial system; therefore, organ dysfunction administration barriers are unlikely. Case reports have shown successful use in patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis with panitumumab and in liver dysfunction.^18–20 No information on use in human pregnancy is available, and given the mechanism of action of EGFR therapy, this would not be advised. An alternative dosing scheme of panitumumab 9 mg/kg intravenous every 3 weeks has been reported.²¹ However, for mCRC, a dose of 6 mg/kg intravenous every 2 weeks remains standard as panitumumab is often administered in combination with traditional chemotherapy regimens that are dosed biweekly.¹⁴ Panitumumab represents an appealing medication with limited patient barriers, such as organ dysfunction and drug–drug interactions, restricting the drug’s use.

History and new updates in mCRC management

Early trial development

Figure 2 outlines panitumumab development in mCRC, starting in 2005 with initial phase I evaluation. At the 2005 Annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting, Weiner et al²² presented data on four panitumumab dosing levels given to 96 solid tumor patients, 40% having CRC.^2,3 Dosing ranged from 0.01 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg once per week, 6 mg/kg every 2 weeks, or 9 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Showing promise in CRC, panitumumab resulted in 12.8% partial responses, with 23% stable disease in CRC patients given panitumumab. A phase II safety and efficacy evaluation by Malik et al²³ further strengthened the concept for panitumumab in CRC.^2,3 Panitumumab was dosed at 2.5 mg/kg monotherapy weekly in refractory mCRC patients divided into EGFR membrane expression cohorts. A total of 148 patients showed a 46.5% disease control with panitumumab (10% partial responses and 36.5% stable disease), a median OS of 9.4 months, and a time to progression of 2.5 months.

Figure 2 Panitumumab development in mCRC.

Note: **Indicates guideline/package labeling changes.
Abbreviations: CRC, colorectal cancer; BSC, best supportive care; FDA, United States Food and Drug Administration; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; EMS, European Medicines Agency; KRAS, Kristin rat sarcoma; mCRC, metastatic CRC; FOLFIRI, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan; FOLFOX, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin; RAS, rat sarcoma.

Monotherapy for refractory mCRC: FDA approval

Panitumumab’s initial FDA approval was based on an open-labeled, randomized, multicenter pivotal phase III trial of panitumumab 6 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks plus best supportive care (BSC) compared to BSC alone in a (≥1% EGFR positive) mCRC population by Van Cutsem et al.²⁴ The patients had progressed on all standard chemotherapy, including fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. A total of 463 patients who enrolled during 2004–2005 met the inclusion criteria (231 patients in the panitumumab plus BSC vs 232 patients assigned to BSC) and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of ≤2. About 176 patients received panitumumab under crossover protocol. The primary end point of progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly prolonged at 8 weeks in the pantiumumab plus BSC vs 7.3 weeks for BSC alone (HR =0.54, P=0.0001). At 8 weeks, the PFS rates were 49% for the pantiumumab arm and 30% for BSC alone. Objective response rate (ORR) showed similar results to early panitumumab trial development, with 10% partial response and 27% stable disease in the panitumumab group compared to 0% partial response and 10% stable disease for BSC alone. ORR did show statistical significance (P<0.0001). No difference in OS was observed (HR =1.00; 95% CI: 0.82–1.22; P=0.81); however, one would expect such a result given the high amount of crossover. Despite marginal PFS improvement, panitumumab monotherapy was granted FDA approval for EGFR membrane-expressing mCRC refractory to fluoropy-rimidines, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan regimens.

EGFR membrane expression and outcomes: does it correlate with outcomes?

Berlin et al²⁵ conducted a multicenter phase II panitumumab monotherapy trial in ECOG ≤2 refractory mCRC patients (fluoropyrmidines, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan progression) in those with high EGFR membrane expression (EGFR staining ≥10%). Panitumumab was dosed at 6 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks. Ninety-one patients enrolled, of whom 8% showed a partial response and 21% stable disease. These outcomes were similar to those of previous evaluations. Mitchell et al²⁶ in the 2007 Annual ASCO Meeting confirmed findings from previous evaluations that panitumumab has antitumor activity in patients regardless of EGFR membrane expression.²⁷ The results, stratified according to low (1%–9% staining) or negative (<1%) EGFR membrane expression, were similar to the Berlin et al²⁵ study, with overall 7%–9% partial responses and 30%–33% stable disease. Given these findings, EGFR expression was identified as a nonpredictor of EGFR mAb response for mCRC.

Monotherapy for refractory mCRC: role of Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) exon 2 mutations

Amado et al²⁸ provided a prospective–retrospective analysis reexamining the previous panitumumab monotherapy trial by Van Cutsem et al.²⁴ The analysis was performed to investigate outcomes related to the presence of KRAS exon 2 mutations. Ninety-two percent were included in the KRAS analysis, with 208 patients in the panitumumab plus BSC arm and 219 patients in the BSC arm. KRAS exon 2 mutations were identified in 43% of the study population and were equally divided between the two treatment groups. Wild-type KRAS patients had significantly greater PFS, with panitumumab plus BSC showing a median PFS of 12.3 weeks vs 7.3 weeks (HR =0.45; 95% CI: 0.34–0.59). No benefit was seen in those patients with KRAS exon 2 mutations with a median PFS of 7.4 weeks with panitumumab plus BSC compared to 7.3 weeks for BSC (HR =0.99; 95% CI: 0.73–1.36). Seventeen percent response was seen in the KRAS wild-type group compared to 0% in the mutant group. Those in the crossover portion of the study showed similar results defined by mutation status, with improvement in PFS seen in KRAS wild-type patients (median PFS 16.4 weeks in KRAS wild type vs 7.9 weeks in KRAS mutant, HR =0.32; 95% CI: 0.22–0.45). Amado et al²⁸ helped define the predictive role that KRAS exon 2 mutations play in EGFR mAb therapy. In July 2009, the FDA approved revisions to EGFR mAb class labeling to reflect KRAS exon 2 mutations as possible predictive biomarkers for efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy.

Panitumumab vs cetuximab: monotherapy for refractory mCRC

A Study of Panitumumab Efficacy and Safety Compared to Cetuximab (ASPECCT) trial was the first head-to-head trial comparing the two EGFR mAbs.²⁹ ASPECCT was an open-labeled, randomized, multicenter phase III noninferiority trial of wild-type KRAS exon 2 mCRC chemotherapy refractory population with progression on irinotecan-based and oxali-platin-based therapy, and a thymidylate synthase inhibitor. Patients had an ECOG <2. Dosing of panitumumab was 6 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks compared to cetuximab 400 mg/m² loading dose followed by 250 mg/m² weekly. A total of 999 patients enrolled during 2010–2012 met the inclusion criteria, 499 of whom were in the panitumumab group and 500 in the cetuximab group. OS was the primary end point and showed a median OS of 10.4 months (95% CI: 9.4–11.6 months) with panitumumab and 10 months with cetuximab (95% CI: 9.3–11.0 months), HR =0.97 (95% CI: 8.4–1.11). Twenty-two percent (95% CI: 18.4–26) showed an objective response in the panitumumab group and 19.8% (95% CI: 16.3–23.6) in the cetuximab group (HR =1.15; 95% CI: 0.83–1.58). As the ASPECCT trial revealed, clinically these agents are noninferior when given for refractory mCRC.

Second-line therapy in combination with chemotherapy

Peeters et al³⁰ conducted an open-label, randomized, multicenter phase III trial comparing panitumumab plus 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan (FOLFIRI) compared to FOLFIRI alone in mCRC population treated with progression on one prior therapy. Patient had an ECOG <2. Panitumumab was given at 6 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks. A total of 1,186 patients were enrolled in 2006–2008, with 591 patients in the panitumumab combination arm and 595 patients in the FOLFIRI-alone group. KRAS status was confirmed in 91% of the patients, with 55% wild type and 45% mutant. In the wild-type KRAS group, panitumumab added to FOLFIRI significantly improved PFS, with a median PFS of 5.9 months compared to 3.9 months (HR =0.73; 95% CI: 0.59–0.90; P=0.004). A nonsignificant trend toward increased OS was observed in the wild-type group (median OS was 14.5 months vs 12.5 months, HR =0.85, 95% CI: 0.70–1.04; P=0.12), and a 35% improvement in the response rate against 10% was observed with the addition of panitumumab. Mutant KRAS patients showed no benefit with the addition of panitumumab in PFS (5 months vs 4.9 months, P=0.14), OS (OS 11.8 vs 11.1 months), or response rate (13% vs 14%). Further confirming the importance of KRAS status, Peeters et al³⁰ showed panitumumab in combination with FOLFIRI is an option in the second-line setting for KRAS exon 2 wild-type patients.

First-line therapy in combination with chemotherapy

Hecht et al³¹ examined the role of dual biologics with chemotherapy in an open-labeled, randomized, multicenter phase III trial that assigned mCRC patients to either bevacizumab plus 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) or bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI to ± panitumumab.³¹ Patients were treatment naïve. After a preplanned analysis, the trial was halted due to significantly inferior PFS in the dual biologic group in the FOLFOX cohort. Confirmed additionally with the CAIRO2 cetuximab trial, dual biologics were shown to be unfavorable and not recommended.²⁷

The PRIME study, carried out by Douillard et al,³² looked at panitumumab in the frontline setting.³² A phase III, open-labeled, randomized, multicenter trial compared the addition of panitumumab 6 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks with FOLFOX4 vs FOLFOX4 alone. Patients had an ECOG ≤2. EGFR expression and KRAS status were not required at entry. A total of 1,183 patients were enrolled during 2006–2008, with 593 patients in the panitumumab arm and 590 patients in the control arm. Forty percent of patients were found to have KRAS exon 2 mutant tumors. PFS improvement was shown in the wild-type KRAS exon 2 group, with a median 9.6 months (95% CI: 9.2–11.1 months) compared to 8.0 months (95% CI: 7.5–9.3 months) in the FOLFOX4 arm alone. OS favored the panitumumab arm with a 4.2-month improvement for wild-type KRAS patients; however, this did not reach statistical significance (23.9 months compared to 19.7 months, P=0.072). In the mutant KRAS exon 2 group, unfavorable results were seen with the addition of panitumumab, with a median PFS of 7.3 months (95% CI: 6.3–8.0 months) compared to 8.8 months (95% CI: 7.7–9.4 months) for FOLFOX4, with OS additionally showing poorer survival in the panitumumab arm but not reaching statistical significance (median OS 15.5 months compared to 19.3 months, P=0.068).

Update of prime study: beyond KRAS exon 2 mutations

RAS mutations significant for mCRC encompass mutations in KRAS and neuroblastoma RAS (NRAS).^{11–14,33,34} As evident through previous evaluations of EGFR mAb therapy in mCRC, KRAS exon 2 mutations are a negative predictive marker for EGFR inhibitor therapy and lead to worse outcomes when given these agents. KRAS exon 2 mutations are seen in 40% of CRC patients, and, as evidenced by recent publications, another 10%–20% of wild-type KRAS exon 2 (codon 12 and 13) patients will harbor mutations in KRAS exons 3 (codon 61) or 4 (codon 117 and 146) or in NRAS exons 2 (codon 12 and 13), 3 (codon 61), or 4 (codon 117 and 146).

Douillard et al³³ performed a prospective–retrospective analysis of the PRIME trial to evaluate the outcomes and incidence of these mutations. Seventeen percent of patients were found to have additional RAS mutations outside of KRAS exon 2. Expanded RAS testing showed shorter PFS and OS in the RAS-mutant population when given panitumumab (median PFS of 7.3 months vs 8.7 months, P=0.008; median OS of 15.5 months vs 18.7 months, P=0.04). Updates with the wild-type RAS group showed further improvement in outcomes with the addition of panitumumab to FOLFOX4 (PFS of 10.1 months vs 7.9 months, P=0.004; and OS of 26.0 months vs 20.2 months, P=0.04). These results of expanded RAS testing are additionally confirmed with updates of the FIRE-3 trial with cetuximab.³⁴ In 2015, FDA approved labeling changes for RAS for panitumumab and cetuximab.

Expanded RAS testing: economically favorable

The current and future economic burden of cancer therapy is evident given prolonged survival and the growing number of newly approved high-cost agents. In the United States, CRC spending is estimated to double by the year 2020, with an estimated total expenditure of $5.19 billion in the initial phase of care (first 12 months after diagnosis), $3.57 billion in the continuing phase (between the initial and the last phase), and $5.27 billion in the last phases of care (last 12 months of life).³⁵ High drug costs of the 11 antineoplastics utilized in CRC are contributing to this economic burden. Cost, unfavorable outcomes, and toxicity are the reasons to clearly identify the role of targeted therapy and the patients likely to benefit. Expanded RAS testing has clearly shown implications for accurate mCRC treatment. A recent analysis examined the economic implications of expanded RAS testing and identified potential annual drug cost savings of $184 million when these 18% additional RAS patients are identified using various potential prices for RAS testing.³⁶ A comparison of testing laboratory fee amounts (example KRAS =$197) with the cost of each EGFR mAb and the potential duration of therapy points to the economic benefits of testing.

Update: role of primary tumor location and targeted therapy

mCRC is clearly a heterogenous disease, as revealed by many factors, including epidemiology, presentation of disease, aggressive nature seen in certain cases, age, and mutational characteristics correlating with prognosis and response to therapy. Two recent retrospective analyses have revealed the most compelling evidence examining the primary tumor location for heterogeneity with regard to outcomes and treatment.^37,38 Tejpar et al³⁷ retrospectively looked at RAS wild-type mCRC patients from the CRYSTAL and FIRE-3 trials. The CRYSTAL and FIRE-3 trials utilized cetuximab in combination with FOLFIRI in the first-line setting with different comparator arms (CRYSTAL comparator = FOLFIRI; FIRE-3 comparator = bevacizumab + FOLFIRI). Tumors located in the splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, or rectum were classified as left-sided tumors, while those present in the appendix, cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, or transverse colon were placed in the right-sided group. Superiority in PFS and OS was found in patients with left-sided tumors compared to those with right-sided tumors.

At the 2016 annual ASCO meeting, Venook et al³⁸ presented an analysis of retrospectively evaluated data from the CALGB/SWOG 80405 clinical trial. The CALGB/SWOG 80405 trial examined first-line chemotherapy (FOLFOX or FOLFIRI) + cetuximab compared to first-line chemotherapy (FOLFOX or FOLFIRI) + bevacizumab. Right-sided tumors were defined as cecum to the hepatic flexure, and those classified as left-sided were from the splenic flexure to the rectum. Key findings revealed a difference in survival and targeted therapy dependent on tumor location. OS was longer in those with left-sided mCRC compared to right-sided mCRC (34.2 months vs 19.4 months, HR =1.56; 95% CI: 1.32–1.84). The cetuximab arm showed in those with left-sided tumors an OS of 37.5 months compared to 16.4 months in the right-sided location arm (HR =1.97; 95% CI: 1.56–2.48). The bevacizumab arm revealed an OS for left-sided tumors of 32.1 months compared to 24.5 months (HR =1.26; 95% CI: 1.00–1.58). Given this dramatic difference in the EGFR mAB group with tumor location, national guidelines have since been updated to reflect tumor location specifically to reserve frontline EGFR mAb therapy for left-sided RAS wild-type mCRC only.¹⁴ If RAS testing results are available at initial diagnosis and an EGFR mAb therapy is being considered, tumor location should be a consideration when deciding upfront systemic therapy.

Panitumumab: current place in therapy

Expanded RAS mutational testing is recommended/mandatory for all mCRC patients at diagnosis currently by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), ASCO, and the European Society of Medical Oncology due to the known negative predictive marker for EGFR mAb therapy.^11,14,39 Guidelines, as described above, do not differentiate or recommend a preference over cetuximab or pantiumumab when an EGFR mAb is recommended. For first-line therapy, pantiumumab and cetuximab are options listed in combination with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI chemotherapy in RAS wild-type only patients with sidedness consideration.^11,14 Currently, neither guideline states a preference for biologic therapy (bevacizumab or an EGFR mAb) in combination with chemotherapy in these RAS wild-type patients in which the goal is prolonged survival with the exception of recent update in the NCCN guidelines recommending left-sided tumors only for upfront EGFR mAb therapy. If an EGFR mAb therapy was not provided frontline for RAS wild-type patients, second-line therapy options include cetuximab or panitumumab in combination with FOLFIRI or irinotecan. If EGFR mAb therapy was not provided first- or second-line, cetuximab or panitumumab monotherapy or in combination with irinotecan are options for RAS wild-type patients in the third-line setting.

Adverse effects

Targeted therapy has presented new challenges to the oncology health care team regarding toxicity prevention and management, revealing nontraditional antineoplastic adverse effects. EGFR present in normal tissues of the epithelial, hair follicle, and gastrointestinal tract lead to the adverse effects seen with these agents. Counseling and preventive measures along with aggressive management are key in avoiding severe EGFR inhibitor toxicity and are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Toxicity prevention and management

Toxicity	Prevention/monitoring	Management
Papulopustular rash	Mild soaps and lotions Avoid alcohol- and perfume-based soaps and lotions Avoid skin friction (shaving; strong rubbing with a towel) Avoid hot showers; wash with lukewarm water Sun protection Aggressive, bland, thick emollient (urea based) Limit exposure to severe weather Prophylactic: doxycycline or minocycline	Topical antibiotics (clindamycin; erythromycin) Oral antibiotics (doxycycline; minocycline) Low potency steroids for face; medium-potency steroids for body Severity may require temporary cessation or dose adjustment
Xerosis	Mild soaps and lotions Avoid alcohol- and perfume-based soaps and lotions Avoid hot showers, long showers, long baths Wash with lukewarm water Aggressive, bland, thick emollient (containing urea, colloidal oatmeal, and petroleum-based creams, zinc oxide) Limit exposure to severe weather) Sun protection	Aggressive, bland, thick emollient use (alternative emollient) Reinforce prevention strategies Severity may require topical medium- to high-potency steroids
Fissures	Aggressive, bland, thick emollient use Avoid skin irritants/protective coverings/avoid friction	Zinc oxide, ferric subsulfate, silver nitrate, cyanoacrylate glue to promote healing Antiseptic soaks to prevent infection (vinegar: water; diluted bleach: water)
Pruritus	Mild soaps and lotions Avoid alcohol- and perfume-based soaps and lotions Aggressive, bland, thick emollient	Topical or oral antipruritics Cold compresses Medium- to high-potency steroids Steroid shampoo for scalp (fluocinonide 0.05%, clobetasol foam) Pregabalin/gabapentin
Paronychia	Avoid tight shoes and skin manipulation Cotton gloves for hand protection Keep nails clean, dry, and trim Emollient application regularly Avoid contact with skin irritants	Cushing inserts for affected toes Antiseptic soaks (vinegar: water; diluted bleach: water) Mild- to medium-potency topical steroids for inflammation without infection Culture and antimicrobials for bacterial or fungal superinfection Severity (grade ≥2) may require temporary cessation or dose adjustment of EGFR mAb
Hypomagnesemia	Magnesium level at baseline, during therapy, and continuing at least 8 weeks after discontinuation Recommend diligent monitoring for higher risk patients (elderly, cardiac comorbidities, longer duration of therapy)	Oral magnesium supplements Intravenous magnesium replacement

Abbreviations: EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; mAB, monoclonal antibody.

Skin toxicities

Skin toxicities, including rash, xerosis, photosensitivity, paronychia, and fissures, represent the most common adverse effects seen with these agents, with a papulopustular rash being the most frequently reported.^4,15,40–45 Seen in 50%–95% of patients receiving EGFR mAbs, the papulopustular rash is not only the most common toxicity but is also the earliest in presentation, occurring as early as 2 days after initiation and peaking, most often by the second week of therapy. The rash may present as late as 6 weeks after initiation. Termed the acneiform rash, the EGFR mAb rash differs from acne in that comodones are not often present. Initial symptoms are edema and erythema that progress to papules, nodules, and pustules on the face, neck, chest, back, scalp, and proximal upper extremities, which by the fourth week often crust over.^40,41 Pruritus, swelling, and pain are common symptoms that accompany this toxicity.

EGFR is present in the basal and suprabasal layers of the epidermis, the outer layers of the hair follicle, and sebaceous glands.^6,41–45 When EGFR inhibition occurs, keratinocyte differentiation is altered in the epithelium and hair follicle, leading to obstruction, inflammation, and bacterial superinfection. While on cetuximab or panitumumab, this toxicity is quite cumbersome for patients due to persistent symptoms, which often wax and wane over time. Therefore, proactive prevention and management should be common practice. The rash does resolve after cessation of therapy ~8 weeks after discontinuation.

The Skin Toxicity Evaluation Protocol with Panitumumab (STEPP) trial presented the current basis of being preventive rather than reactive in controlling the acneiform rash.⁴⁶ The STEPP trial was an open-label phase II trial of 95 patients that examined whether the difference between grade ≥2 panitumumab skin toxicities existed if patients were given preemptive treatment (48 patients) vs reactive treatment after the skin toxicity developed (47 patients) over a 6-week period. The preemptive regimen started 1 day prior to the first panitumumab administration and continued for 6 weeks. This regimen included skin moisturizer applied to the face, hands, feet, neck, back, and chest every morning; sunscreen to areas exposed; topical steroids (1% hydrocortisone cream) applied to the face, hands, feet, neck, back, and chest at bedtime; and doxycycline 100 mg twice per day. The reactive treatment regimen consisted of any treatments the investigator deemed necessary for management and could be given at any time point during the 6 weeks. The trial showed that patients on a preventive regimen had a decrease in ≥ grade 2 toxicities, with 29% in the preemptive group compared to 62% in the reactive group. Since the STEPP trial, several counseling and preventive techniques have been proposed and are listed in Table 1.

Discussed earlier was the RAS mutation serving as a biomarker predictive of EGFR inhibitor use failure, but some studies suggest that a clinical marker of response lies in the severity of rash. Previous studies with cetuximab and panitumumab generate this hypothesis, including the EVEREST study, by Van Cutsem et al,⁴⁷ which investigated cetuximab dose escalation in those with no or mild skin reactions by the third week of standard dose therapy.⁴⁸ Although compelling, oncologists must discuss this potential with patients cautiously as those without a rash may find this disheartening, while those with a rash will expect positive results. Further, current guidelines still warrant diagnostic imaging to determine response to therapy with these agents and not to rely on the degree of rash.

Skin toxicities: quality of life

A recent review examined the phase III randomized trials discussed above looking at panitumumab monotherapy in refractory mCRC, panitumumab plus FOLFIRI in the second-line setting, and panitumumab plus FOLFOX in the first-line setting to determine quality of life (QoL) affected by skin toxicity.⁴⁹ EuroQoL 5-domain health state index score (HSI) was utilized along with an overall health rating (OHR). EuroQoL 5 domain HSI evaluates 5 items, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, to determine a score from −0.594 to 1.0, with the higher score indicating better health. The OHR uses a visual analog scale of 0–100 (0= worst health state imaginable; 100= best health state imaginable). From baseline to discontinuation, there were no statistical differences between the panitumumab group and the comparator arms in all three studies. Skin toxicity regardless of severity level had a similar impact on QoL. Thaler et al⁵⁰ evaluated skin toxicity in relation to QoL in a phase II frontline trial of panitumumab plus FOLFIRI compared to FOLFIRI alone. Two instruments, the EuroQoL 5-domain HSI and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, evaluated multiple factors such as physical, cognitive, emotional, social, fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, global health status/QoL scale, and a perceived financial impact. QoL outcomes were found to be similar at baseline and 8 weeks after the completion of the study in this evaluation.

The STEPP trial evaluating preemptive compared to reactive skin toxicity treatment assessed QoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at weeks 2–7 and at week 13 or 14.⁴⁶ The DLQI consists of 10 questions with a score scale of 0–30, with higher scores indicating more QoL impairment. Questions asked focus on symptoms, emotion, interference with working and social outings, and activities avoided. The results indicated that QoL was less impaired in the preemptive group as the change in score from baseline to week 3 in the preemptive group was 1.3 points compared to the reactive group of 4.2 points. These evaluations reveal that panitumumab may have limited impact on QoL while favoring a preemptive skin toxicity management.

Paronychia

Paronychia, inflammation of the nail folds of the fingers and toes, particularly the first digits, occurs later in EGFR inhibitor therapy, with a typical onset of 2–6 months after initiation.^{41,43–45,51,52} EGFR inhibition is believed to directly inhibit keratinocytes in the nail matrix, leading to this adverse effect. Occurring in ~20% of patients on cetuximab or panitumumab, paronychia is a less common toxicity than previously discussed skin toxicities.^4,15 Nail changes can initially be mild and asymptomatic, but paronychia can lead to symptomatic, painful, and severe complications, including bacterial and fungal superinfection, pyogenic granuloma, and ingrown nails.^{41,43–45,51,52}

Clear evidence-based guidelines for prevention and management are lacking. Prevention strategies based on expert opinion and consensus focus on preventive measures such as counseling on the importance of wearing comfortable well-fitting shoes; keeping nails trim, clean, and dry; avoidance of bare feet; cushioning inserts in shoes for comfort of the affected nails; petroleum jelly application; and wearing cotton-lined gloves to avoid friction for hand protection.^{41,43–45,51,52} As mentioned, paronychia places a patient at high risk for developing bacterial and fungal superinfections; therefore, the use of antiseptic soaks with a vinegar:water ratio of 1:10 daily along with a mild-to-moderate topical corticosteroid should be advised when inflammation appears without signs of infection. Staphylococcus aureus infections appear to develop acutely, while chronic superinfections are associated with Candida albicans.⁴¹ Pseudomonas and Enterococcus have additionally been isolated. When superinfection appears evident due to purulent discharge and collection, culture and appropriate antimicrobials should follow. Topical/systematic antibiotics such as topical mupirocin, oral antistaphylococcal penicillin or first-generation cephalosporin, and oral doxy-cycline have been utilized. Comorbidities such as diabetes may require clindamycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates might require sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.

Hypomagnesemia

EGFR regulation at the distal tubules of the kidneys gives way to another common adverse effect of hypomagnesemia seen with panitumumab and cetuximab. EGFR has been shown as a regulatory factor for transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily melastatin, member 6 (TRPM6).^53,54 TRPM6 is responsible for active magnesium reabsorption in the distal tubules, and EGFR inhibition has been linked to insufficient TRPM6 function, thus leading to magnesium wasting. Unlike skin toxicities associated with EGFR therapy, hypomagnesemia does not have a clear chronological timing of onset and can occur days to months after therapy initiation. Hypomagnesemia does appear to be progressive, with increased severity seen with longer duration of therapy.

The incidence of hypomagnesemia reported in the prescribing information is seen more with panitumumab (30% any grade) compared to cetuximab (14% any grade).^4,15 Further reports show a higher incidence for EGFR mAb-induced hypomagnesemia with reports as high as 90%–100% all grades with grade 3/4 hypomagnesemia reported at 6%–47% dependent on duration of therapy with >6 months of therapy showing a higher severity incidence.^53,54 Patients often will be asymptomatic. Given the asymptomatic presentation and to avoid severe clinical manifestations of hypomagnesemia, including cardiac arrhythmias and neurocognitive dysfunction, close monitoring of magnesium levels is recommended per prescribing information during EGFR mAb administration and for at least 8 weeks following the cessation of these agents.^4,15

Guidelines for management during therapy have been less described compared to other adverse effects seen with these agents, and replacement as needed is recommended per prescribing recommendations.^4,15 Magnesium replacement strategies, including oral magnesium and intravenous magnesium, have been evaluated with a lack of sustainable replacement due to limitations with their use. Issues surrounding oral magnesium are poor absorption and diarrhea, which can be burdensome to patients with a primary CRC malignancy. Intravenous magnesium replacement leads to inconvenience, with longer infusion times for patients, additive days and cost with home health administration, or additional trips to infusion centers. Given these barriers, hypomagnesemia remains an adverse effect in need of a strong and effective preventive and management strategy. Close monitoring and aggressive replacement should be common practice, with diligent monitoring in those patients reporting diarrhea or muscular weakness or cramping, on long duration of therapy (>6 months), in the elderly, and in patients with cardiac comorbidities.

Infusion-related reactions

Infusion-related reaction rates hold differences among panitumumab and cetuximab given their structural backbone, human vs chimeric (3% panitumumab vs 15%–21% cetuximab).^4,15,55,56 As mentioned earlier, panitumumab is given at the same rate with each infusion without the use of premedications.⁴ Cetuximab requires the use of an H-1 antagonist (diphenhydramine) given 30 minutes prior to exposure along with a prolonged infusion for the first cycle of therapy.¹⁵ An area of high cetuximab hypersensitivity likelihood exists in the southeastern region of the United States.^55,56 The pathogenesis for this higher hypersensitivity rate is related to the presence of preexisting IgE antibodies to galactose-α-I-3, galactose, a component added during cetuximab production during the chimeric process.^6,56 Given the high likelihood in this area and the choice of an agent in a malignancy with approval of both agents, an oncologist might consider the use of the fully human mAb as compared to its chimeric counterpart in this higher risk area. In patients that develop a cetuximab infusion reaction, EGFR mAb re-challenge with panitumumab or cetuximab with modifications have been reported.^57,58

The use of EGFR mAb and tyrosine kinase inhibitors has shown common adverse effects that allow for management programs to be in place. Preemptive management of the common acneform rash should be discussed and presented to each patient at the start of EGFR mAb therapy. Electrolyte balance regarding magnesium should be corrected prior to initiation and followed routinely with consideration of a hypomag-nesemia treatment protocol. Finally, routine follow-up with a history and physical while the patient is on therapy should include the examination of nail beds for the presence of paronychia to prevent substantial infections.

Conclusion and future directions

mCRC treatment with the addition of biologic agents, including panitumumab, has made dramatic improvements in the OS, which has now reached beyond 30 months. However, as evidenced by a reduced 5-year OS, continued improvement in mCRC management is essential, with future directions examining the heterogeneity of mCRC and the mechanisms of resistance seen with current therapies. Resistance patterns, both primary and acquired, are a clear impediment in the use of EGFR mAb therapy.⁵ Areas currently under investigation are the additional role of rare RAS mutations, BRAF mutations, PIK3CA mutations and loss of PTEN, and HER2 amplification. Investigations into these resistance patterns are often utilizing combination targeted therapy such as PI3K-mTOR inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, and MEK inhibitors along with EGFR mAbs. Further, evaluations examining tumor location heterogeneity are likely to be a focus of future investigation. While, clearly, future therapies are needed, a goal of oncology care should always be to make antineoplastics tolerable. Further trials continue to look at the role of maintenance EGFR mAb monotherapy in the hope of avoiding adverse effects of chronic traditional chemotherapy such as fatigue, myelosuppression, and neuropathy. In the case of EGFR mAb therapy, the oncology health-care team must remain proactive, with skin toxicity management and prevention, diligent magnesium monitoring with magnesium replacement protocols in place, and in the avoidance of acute and chronic paronychial infections.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.