Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone Systems have announced the results of a phase III clinical trial investigating the use of Erbitux (Cetuximab) plus irinotecan in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients who have failed first-line therapy.

The results reveal that the patients administered with Erbitux plus irinotecan showed higher secondary endpoints of response rate and progression-free survival compared to those receiving irinotecan alone.

Erbitux is a monoclonal antibody that aims to restrict the function of epidermal growth factor receptor expressed on the surface of normal and tumour cells by binding to epidermal growth factor receptors to block phosphorylation and activation of receptor associated kinases.

Chief medical officer and senior vice-president of ImClone Systems Eric Rowinsky said: "The improvement in progression-free survival and response rate expands our understanding of the significant activity or Erbitux."

He added that this trial data contributed to already-existing clinical evidence showing the safety and efficacy of Erbitux as a combination treatment with chemotherapy.

Last week, Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone Systems announced the results of a phase III clinical study investigating the use of Erbitux in conjunction with gemcitabine chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

The companies reported that the treatment did not meet its primary endpoint of improving survival in these patients.