Efficacy of combination therapy with zoledronic acid and cetuximab for unresectable rectal cancer with bone metastases: A case report

Abstract

The combination of cetuximab (CTX) and chemotherapy, such as FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, is currently the standard treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is used in patients with bone metastasis. We herein report our experience with the case of a 58-year-old male patient with metastatic rectal cancer who was treated with ZOL + CTX as third-line therapy, and in whom this combination appeared to be effective. Although the patient developed bone metastasis and cardiac tamponade due to the recurrence of rectal cancer, he survived for approximately 10 months after the initiation of ZOL and CTX treatment.