Onkológia 6/2009

Cetuximab – a chimeric monoclonal IgG1 antibody for the treatment of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck

Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal IgG1 antibody that is specifically directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR signalling pathways are involved in the control of cell survival, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, cell migration and cellular invasion/metastasis. Cetuximab is indicated for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: in combination with chemotherapy, as a single agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based therapy and who are intolerant to irinotecan. Cetuximab is indicated for the treatment of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy for locally advanced disease, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent and/or metastatic disease.

Keywords: cetuximab, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer, squamous cell cancer of the head and neck