OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to review the literature on the rate and impact of infusion reactions (IR) associated with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (MoAb) therapies for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). METHODS: This review searched PubMed, FDA web site, Medscape, and package inserts (PI) for studies reporting IR rates and their clinical or economic impact associated with cetuximab or panitumumab in mCRC patients. Both clinical trials and observational studies published in English by October 2009 were included. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies were reviewed. For patients receiving cetuximab, across all studies, rates of all-grade IRs ranged from 4% to 32%; and rates of severe IRs were 0.5%-22%. For patients receiving panitumumab, rates of all-grade IRs ranged from 0% to 4%; and rates of severe IRs were from 0%-1.0%. Among patients who received cetuximab and experienced a severe IR, 34% - 50% discontinued cetuximab therapy. Only one study evaluated the resource utilization and costs associated with IRs in patients treated with cetuximab. Mean incremental costs were $9308 to treat cetuximab associated IRs that resulted in an emergency room visit or hospitalization and $1725 for those that required outpatient treatment. Several studies reported substantial burden on healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers when IRs occurred. Patients with IRs required 31%-80% more staff time to observe and manage these events. No study reported economic impact of severe IRs associated with panitumumab. CONCLUSIONS: A greater range in the rate of severe IRs associated with cetuximab treatment was reported in the literature than that for panitumumab. Severe IRs often require costly intensive medical intervention and can cause disruption or discontinuation of therapy.