Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Cetuximab Project

Imaging for Early Response Prediction to EGF-receptor Blocking Monoclonal Antibodies in Combination Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been suggested as an early, sensitive marker of tumour response to anticancer drugs by monitoring the changes in glucose metabolism in tumours. Recently, FDG-PET has shown to be highly sensitive in detecting early response in other tumours. In this study, the investigators will prospectively investigate the role of early FDG-PET (at day 7 and week 6) in outcome prediction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically or cytologically proven colorectal cancer
• Unresectable stage IV disease
• K-Ras wild type tumour
• Patients scheduled to undergo chemotherapy with irinotecan and cetuximab

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior abdominal/pelvic radiotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy within 3 months prior to inclusion in the study
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Concomitant serious illness, such as uncontrolled angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, infection
• Symptomatic brain metastases
• Pregnancy or participants of reproductive potential who are sexually active and not willing/able to use medically appropriate contraception