I did not catch Saltz's ASCO talk, but I am familiar with his opinions. However, until we have new data, the rational sequencing strategy is 1) FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab; 2) FOLFOX; 3) irinotecan plus cetuximab (in the absence of specific patient factors or preferences). Other sequences may be better, but I believe there are insufficient data to support other strategies.
I guess my point was that it is a shame that patients who would qualify for irinotecan--and who might be better off with transient diarrhea than with cumulative neurotoxicity--will receive an oxaliplatin-based regimen because of the need to genotype.
I have not been following panitumumab, I consider it a me-too and not worthy of the attention it is getting. YMI's anti-EGFR antibody is much more interesting.
No, I'm not an oncologist; however, I consult for pharmas and biotechs in oncology and other areas. I also work in my old lab for fun (DNA repair).
