The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in the majority of 
colorectal cancers. It is the target for a class of agents at the forefront of 
development for the treatment of colorectal cancer, ie, the anti-EGFR monoclonal 
antibodies, which include cetuximab, panitumumab, and matuzumab. At present, 
cetuximab is the furthest along in terms of established efficacy in the 
treatment of metastatic or inoperable disease and is licensed for the treatment 
of patients with irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer. This article reviews 
the recent evidence supporting the combination of these anti-EGFR agents with 
the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent irinotecan.