Oncology Biomarker KRAS to be Discussed at FDA Pan...(Society of Medical Oncology in 2008 from...)

Data that KRAS is a clinically relevant biomarker for Vectibix is confined to the monotherapy setting; there is not yet sufficient data with Vectibix in combination with chemotherapy to conclude that KRAS is a valid predictive biomarker in that setting. However, pivotal studies "181" and "PRIME ("203") will be the first prospective Phase 3 clinical studies to test the effect of Vectibix in wild-type KRAS tumors in combination with chemotherapy and to determine the clinical utility of KRAS as a predictive biomarker in mCRC. Data from these trials will be available in 2009.

"Based on available data, we believe that focusing Vectibix treatment on patients with wild-type KRAS tumors will avoid unnecessary adverse events in patients who are unlikely to benefit, maximize response rates and PFS in patients with wild-type KRAS genes, and redirect patients with a mutated KRAS gene to alternative therapies," said Sean Harper. "We are thrilled to be taking a step forward in advancing the field of personalized medicine by being one of the first to realize the clinical potential of the KRAS gene in guiding treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients."

In November, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announced updates to their Guidelines on Colon and Rectal Cancers that included the recommendation that a determination of the KRAS gene status of either the primary tumor or a site of metastasis should be part of the pre-treatment work-up for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. Further, the guidelines recommended that EGFr inhibitors, including Vectibix, should only be used in patients with tumors characterized by the wild-type KRAS gene.