What is the optimal duration of therapy in patients with metastatic colon cancer with no evidence of disease?
I have a few patients with KRAS/BRAF mutation-negative metastatic colon cancer treated with upfront FOLFOX-bev followed by 5-FU-bev who had regression of all visible liver metastases on systemic therapy. One has been out for 5 years with no evidence of disease. Is it safe to stop chemotherapy and observe?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · Intermountain Medical Center
Answered on
First of all, it sounds as if congratulations are in order for your management (to have sustained a patient with mCRC for over 5 years is truly a remarkable accomplishment, although in cases like this the self-pitying oncologist might wonder if they are victims of their own success in determining a ...
Join for free or sign in to see the full answer
Mednet Member
Medical Oncology · University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Answered on
I don't think there is a definitive answer to this question. It's very rare for patients to be rendered NED with systemic therapy alone. The body of literature supporting maintenance therapy over chemo-free intervals (very thoroughly outlined by @Dr. First Last above) may not apply to this group of ...
Join for free or sign in to see the full answer