Capecitabine and irinotecan with and without bevacizumab for advanced colorectal cancer patients

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of cape-citabine plus irinotecan ± bevacizumab in advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Forty six patients with previously untreated, locally-advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) were recruited between 2001-2006 in a prospective open-label phase II trial, in German community-based outpatient clinics. Patients received a standard capecitabine plus irinotecan (CAPIRI) or CAPIRI plus bevacizumab (CAPIRI-BEV) regimen every 3 wk. Dose reductions were mandatory from the first cycle in cases of > grade 2 toxicity. The treatment choice of bevacizumab was at the discretion of the physician. The primary endpoints were respon…