Erbitux (cetuximab) is an intravenously-administered drug used in the treatment of some head and neck cancers and some colorectal cancers. It is a targeted therapy, meaning it works quite differently than traditional chemotherapy.
Drug profile
- Class: Monoclonal antibody enzyme inhibitor. Also called an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist.
- Mechanism of action: This drug binds to the EGFR on normal and cancerous cells, which results in the inhibition of certain cell-signaling pathways and induces cell death.
- Treatment type: Biological therapy
- US approval: 2004
- Synonyms: C225
- FDA Use-in-Pregnancy Rating: Category C
What it's used for and why
Erbitux is FDA-approved for the treatment of some squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, either as a single agent or in combination with radiotherapy. It is also approved as a single agent or in combination with irinotecan for the treatment of some colorectal cancers.
Side effects: Overview
Among the many potential side effects from Erbitux, the following represent either more frequently reported side effects or those considered clinically significant: allergic infusion reaction (sometimes fatal), cardiopulmonary arrest, interstitial lung disease, asthenia, fever, acneform rash, constipation, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, hypomagnesaemia, headaches, and stomach aches.
Sources
Significant studies relating to Erbitux
