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Background: MET overexpression/amplification has been associated with resistance to anti- epidermal growth factor receptor therapies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Combining tivantinib, an inhibitor of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase, and cetuximab may be effective in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-resistant MET-high mCRC., Patients and Methods: This multicenter, single-arm, Simon 2-stage, phase II study enrolled patients with MET-high, KRAS wild-type mCRC, who were treated with ≥ 1 prior systemic therapy, with at least stable disease on the last treatment regimen containing cetuximab or panitumumab. Patients were enrolled if they presented tumor progression on cetuximab or panitumumab within 3 months before enrollment. Patients received tivantinib (360 mg twice daily) plus cetuximab (500 mg intravenously every 2 weeks). The primary endpoint was objective response rate; secondary endpoints included progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. The treatment would be considered effective if ≥ 5 confirmed partial responses were observed among 41 patients., Results: In total, 41 patients were evaluated, 4 patients (9.8%) achieved an objective response, the median progression-free survival was 2.6 months (95% confidence interval, 1.9-4.2 months), and the median overall survival was 9.2 months (95% confidence interval, 7.1-15.1 months). Among 13 patients with tested MET amplification, 2 responding patients had MET amplification compared with none of the nonresponding patients. The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events were neutropenia (14.6%), skin toxicity (12.2%), and fatigue (9.8%)., Conclusion: Although the study did not meet its primary endpoint, efficacy results suggest some activity of the tested combination, with almost 10% of patients achieving objective response in a difficult-to-treat setting. Treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of tivantinib and cetuximab., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are valuable therapeutics in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), such as cetuximab or panitumumab, in combination with chemotherapy are effective treatment options for patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC. Nevertheless, several issues are still open concerning the optimal use of anti-EGFR drugs in the continuum of care of mCRC. Novel approaches for increasing the efficacy of anti-EGFR therapies include better molecular selection of EGFR-dependent mCRC, intensification of chemotherapy, combination of anti-EGFR MoAbs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and reintroduction of EGFR blockade or 'rechallenge' in selected patients who have previously responded to anti-EGFR MoAb therapy. An extensive translational research program was conducted in the Cetuximab After Progression in KRAS wIld-type colorectal cancer patients-Gruppo Oncologico dell' Italia Meridionale (CAPRI-GOIM) study with the aims of determining which subgroups of patients could benefit from the continuous inhibition of EGFR, from evaluating the role of liquid biopsy-based and its concordance with tissue-based molecular testing, and from investigating novel potential mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. In this review, we summarize the translational and clinical findings of the CAPRI-GOIM program in the context of the current knowledge of therapeutic strategies and of ongoing research on more appropriate uses of anti-EGFR therapies in RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC patients. • The epidermal growth factor (EGFR) is a therapeutic option for patients with all RAS WT metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). • A better knowledge of the mechanism of primary or acquired resistance to EGFR-therapies can improve patient's selection. • Despite disease progression a subset of mCRC are still sensitive to EGFR inhibition. • Rechallenge strategies with anti-EGFR might represent a promising therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]