Folfox/ Folfiri Withavastin Or Irenotecan/Erbitux???

Hi, my son, Stage IV, was on FOLFOX plus Avastin with good remission when the Oxaliplatin needed to be stopped because of increasing neuropathy.  He continued for three months on 5FU, Leucovorin, and Avastin but now unfortunately is showing progression.  His oncologist is recommending changing his treatment to Irenotecan every three weeks with Erbitux every week.  I'm wondering why he wasn't switched to FOlFIRI when he had to discontinue the Oxaliplatin?  I know many of you have had to discontinue Oxaliplatin,  Can you tell me what you were switched to at that time? 

Can anyone please share their experience with Irenotecan and Erbitux.  I am so worried and want to be sure we are making the best decision.  Trying to get a second opinion as quickly as possible but difficult to travel right now since he is not feeling too well.  Does anyone know where you can get a 2nd oncology opinion by sending records, etc. but without actually going there? 

God bless all of you who are fighting this terrible disease.

I am thinking same thing....

My wife has stag IV and was on FOLFOX + Avastin for 3 months (Colon surgery before chemo) than liver surgery due to her neuropathy (She still has neuropathy problem even her last Oxaliplatin was about 10months ago) she got only Avastin and Xeloda for 3 months after liver surgery.

But after 5month from last chemo cancer came back vary aggressive 2.5cm in 3months on the liver and possible 12 spots on her lung.

Her oncologist sugguests Irenotecan/Erbitux/Avastin my wife refuse to get Erbitux as it could cause Acne like skin problem

Now I am searching internet to see what's available so I could discuss with her Oncologist....

I have same question why not FOlFIRI + Avastin than Irenotecan/Erbitux/Avastin?

Have you checked this link? I know there is just lots of infos on trial study on Irenotecan/Erbitux but this link says if you got 1st FOLFOX 2nd choice is FOlFIRI or other way around.

Once I find more infos from her Oncologist I will post it here or if you find more about it could you let me know as well?

http://www.xagena.it/news/medicinenews_net_news/bf0a8e1dc5c8

Hi, we met with my son's oncologist yesterday.  Prior to the meeting, I was able to get a two 2nd opinions from respected institutions.  My son had been seen at one of the cancer centers earlier and was in their system; the other came through an oncologist group where we have friends.  That's why I was able to get them so quickly.  They both supported our oncologist's recommendation of Irentotecan and Eribitux; however, one also indicated they would consider FOLFIRI as well.  We discussed this with my son's oncologist and he said he didn't think my son would get that much benefit from the 5FU which is why he wants to go with the Erbitux and Irenotecan.  I was hoping not because of the rash but we will start it next week and hope it kicks butt.  I hope my son, who is young and single, can deal with the rash.  I hate for him to go through this.  If it kicks butt out of the cancer, it will be worth it. 

That's awsome you got your 2nd opinion.

I would like to get a 2nd opinion fast enough but it is just so hard to get a hold of good dr... even he operated my wife's liver last year.

Anyhow I was able to talk to oncologist today and she said FOlFIRI + Avastin is an option if my wife refuse Erbitux but would prefer Irenotecan/Erbitux/Avastin.

I think my wife would most likely get Erbitux next week so I am just hoping for best.

Good luck with your son's treatment.

If your wife chooses to go with the Erbitux we will have to convince our loved ones that if it's the drug they need, the one that will shrink everything away than it's worth it!  They are brave soldiers fighting a very hard battle.  I've seen some things on this message board to help with the rash -- not to stop it but to keep it from making one uncomfortable (itching, etc.).  I'll be stocking up on a few items.  May put out another post for ideas from those already on or who have been on Erbitux.  Good luck and God Bless.  I hope your wife gets good news from whatever treatment she chooses.

Thanks.  Is your Dad using anything to help with the rash?  To keep it from itching or being uncomfortable.  Does he use an electric razor?

Thanks.  Want to be proactive if possible.

Shari

Hi:

My husband has stage iv colon cancer.  His spread to 13 spots on one lung and 5 to other while on Folfox with Avastin.  It did shrink other tumor around aorta and kept it from liver, kidney, etc.  He took Avastin and Irinotecan but spots in lungs enlarged (only a fraction of an inch) but did show central necrois (dying at center of tumor).  CEA had grown from 3.2 to 4.7 and only went to 4.5 while on just Avastin and Irinotecan.  We added Erbitux on weekly treatments with Irinotecan and Avastin given also every other week.  After one month CEA went to 2.3 and while spots did show up on just an xray before the Erbitux was added, after one month they were hardly discernible.  Another month of treatment CEA went to 1.2 and new xray does not show any of the spots visible.  We are continuing this treatment. 

He is also taking Avemar daily which he started right before adding the Erbitux.  Our DR.  gave him an antibotic for the rash. While the rash  is a side effect, it is has not been unbearable for him.  We use Clearasil and lotion but again,  for the benefit, the rash is tolerable and welcome as a sign the medicine is working.   I only wish we had taken the Erbitux sooner.  It also shrunk the tumor around the aorta even more.

Good luck.