Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Head And Neck (SCCHN): Cetuximab is indicated in combination with radiation therapy for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.Cetuximab is indicated in ... Read moreSquamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Head And Neck (SCCHN): Cetuximab is indicated in combination with radiation therapy for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.Cetuximab is indicated in combination with platinum-based therapy with 5-FU for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinomaof the head and neck.Cetuximab, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed.K-Ras Wild-Type, EGFR-Expressing Colorectal Cancer: Cetuximab is indicated for the treatment of K-Ras wild-type, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as determined by FDA-approved tests for this use  In combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin) for first-line treatment In combination with irinotecan in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy As a single agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy or who are intolerant to irinotecan.

Targeted Cancer Therapy

Cetuximab is a recombinant human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody. It binds specifically to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thus competitively inhibiting the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands. This blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, thus inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis and decreases matrix metalloproteinase and vascular EGF production.

Fatigue, pain, headache, fever, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, chills, rigors, depression. Acneiform rash, rash, dry skin, pruritus, nail changes, hypomagnesaemia, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, wt loss, weakness, bone pain.

Pregnancy: category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether Cetuximab is secreted in human milk. IgG antibodies, such as Cetuximab, can be excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Cetuximab, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If nursing is interrupted, based on the mean half-life of cetuximab, nursing should not be resumed earlier than 60 days following the last dose of Cetuximab.

Infusion rate should be reduced if patient exhibits signs of toxicity. Discontinue treatment if there is severe infusion reactions. Caution when used in patients with history of coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmias. Monitor serum electrolytes during and after (for at least 8 wk) cetuximab therapy. Exposure to sunlight may worsen skin reactions. Risk of interstitial lung disease in patients with preexisting lung disease. Dose should be modified if there is occurrence of severe acneiform rash, refer to product insert/SPG for dosing guidelines.

The maximum single dose of cetuximab administered is 1000 mg/m2 in one patient. No adverse events were reported for this patient.

Store vials under refrigeration at 2° to 8° C. Do not freeze.

Targeted Cancer Therapy

Cetuximab is a recombinant human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody. It binds specifically to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thus competitively inhibiting the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands. This blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, thus inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis and decreases matrix metalloproteinase and vascular EGF production.

Pregnancy: category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether Cetuximab is secreted in human milk. IgG antibodies, such as Cetuximab, can be excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Cetuximab, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If nursing is interrupted, based on the mean half-life of cetuximab, nursing should not be resumed earlier than 60 days following the last dose of Cetuximab.