Panitumumab (Vectibix®): A Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Targeted biologic agents have broadened the spectrum of therapeutic options in CRC. Panitumumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor improved the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. It is indicated for use as a single agent in chemorefractory patients and as part of a chemotherapy treatment in first-line and second-line settings with a manageable toxicity profile. In particular, panitumumab has been shown to significantly improve response rate and progression-free survival in wild-type KRAS patients. The identification of KRAS as a negative predictive marker for the activity of panitumumab is a first step to a personalized treatment.