Interactive Case Studies - Overview

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Role of KRAS Status in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Release Date: December 29, 2008
Expiration Date: December 29, 2009

Interactive Case Study Overview

The high prevalence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression (≤ 75%) in colorectal tumors prompted the development of EGFR-targeted agents, including monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), designed to inhibit receptor function. Anti-EGFR MoAbs have had a substantial impact in altering the treatment landscape for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) and have consistently benefited a subset of this patient population. Defining the subset of patients with metastatic CRC that benefits from EGFR-targeted therapy has remained a focus of clinical investigation, and recent data from randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that KRAS mutation status in the tumor has prognostic and/or predictive value regarding treatment with EGFR-targeted MoAbs. Review of the relevant clinical trial data in the context of a case study that follows an individual patient across multiple lines of therapy will support physicians in devising individualized therapeutic strategies for patients with metastatic CRC based, in part, on the tumor genetic profile. In addition, expert commentary on treatment options will help clarify the relevance of clinical trial data to current clinical practice in community oncology.

The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the current standards regarding KRAS mutation analysis and the role of anti-EGFR MoAbs in treating patients with metastatic CRC.

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with CRC. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

  • Select optimal treatments, including cytotoxic and biologic agents, for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic CRC based on data from phase III clinical trials
  • Describe appropriate molecular tests for selecting EGFR-targeted therapy for patients with metastatic CRC
  • Evaluate potential outcomes based on KRAS mutation status for patients with refractory metastatic CRC

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  1. Read the following information before beginning the educational activity.
  2. Complete the Pretest.
  3. Study the educational activity.
  4. Complete the CME test.
  5. Answer the evaluation questions.
  6. After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate online.

Successful completion is determined by a score of 67% or greater.

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Pierre Laurent-Puig, MD, PhD
Research Funding – Amgen; Merck & Co., Inc.
Paid Consultant – Amgen; Merck & Co., Inc.

Astrid Lievre, MD, PhD
Other Remuneration – Merck & Co., Inc.

PER Editorial Staff
Erin Grothey, MS (spouse)
Research Funding – Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Genentech, Inc.; sanofi-aventis U.S.
Paid Consultant – Roche Pharmaceuticals

PER Editorial Staff
No relevant relationships to disclose

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All correspondence should be directed to:
Editor, Interactive Case Study: Role of KRAS Status in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Physicians’ Education Resource
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Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 367-3400
Fax: (214) 367-3304
E-mail: editor@cancerlearning.com

Educational Grants

An educational grant for this activity was provided by:


  1. Bristol-Myers Squibb/
    ImClone Systems

Astrid Lievre, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
European Georges Pompidou Hospital
Université Paris Descartes
Paris, France

Pierre Laurent-Puig, MD, PhD
Professor
European Georges Pompidou Hospital
Université Paris Descartes
Paris, France