Effect of Irinotecan Combined with Cetuximab on Liver Function in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer with Liver Metastases

Aim: To explore the effect of irinotecan combined with cetuximab on liver function of advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. Methods: A total of 97 advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases admitted to our hospital from August 2008 to August 2011 were treated with irinotecan combined with cetuximab. Changes of tumor markers, liver metastasis diameter, and liver function were observed, and the response rate was analyzed. Results: After the treatment, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, prothrombin time, albumin, and metastasis diameter significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin increased significantly (P < 0.05). Average length of stay was 16.2 ± 3.7 weeks. There were 0 case of complete remission, 25 cases of partial response, 41 cases of stable disease, and 31 cases of progressive disease. The response rate was 25.77% and disease control rate was 68.04%. Adverse reactions were present in 92 cases, with the incidence rate of 94.85%. Conclusion: Although the liver function tests show that the damage is caused by irinotecan combined with cetuximab, the normal cells recover and therefore liver function returns to near baseline. The data from this trial suggests that the combination treatment with irinotecan and cetuximab for colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases is safe and effective, resulting in improved prognosis and quality of life.