Cetuximab

Brand Names: Erbitux

Drug Class: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antagonist

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist. It is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab is composed of the Fv regions of a murine anti-EGFR antibody with human IgG1 heavy and kappa light chain constant regions and has an...

Mechanism of Action

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER1, c-ErbB-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of a subfamily of type I receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR, HER2, HER3, and HER4. The EGFR is constitutively expressed in many normal epithelial tissues, including the skin and hair follicle. Expression of EGFR is also detected in many human cancers including those of the head and neck, colon, and rectum. Cetuximab binds specifically to the EGFR on both normal and tumor cells, and competitively inhibits the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands, such as transforming growth factor-alpha.

Indications

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ERBITUX ® is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist indicated for treatment of: Head and Neck Cancer Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck progressing after platinum-based therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.

Common Doses

  • 400 mg
  • 250 mg
  • 500 mg
  • 200 mg

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Premedicate with an H 1 receptor antagonist. ( 2.4 ) In Combination With Radiation Therapy: Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks). ( 2.2 ) Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy. ( 2.

Black Box Warning

WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST Infusion Reactions: ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving ERBITUX with radiation therapy or a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil.

Contraindications

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Side Effects

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Cardiopulmonary arrest [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Dermatologic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] .

Interactions

  • No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.