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Questions and Answers on Erbitux (cetuximab) 1. What is Erbitux (Cetuximab)? Erbitux is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is found on the surface of some cells, and plays a role in regulating cell growth. Erbitux is believed to interfere with the growth of cancer cells by binding to EGFR so that the normal (natural) epidermal growth factors cannot bind and stimulate the cells to grow. 2. What are monoclonal antibodies? Antibodies are substances produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance such as a bacteria, virus, or toxin. They are the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection, and help to destroy infectious agents. Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies produced in a laboratory to target a very specific portion of foreign substances (antigen). Because of their precision, ideally treatment is more effective with fewer side effects. 3. What is Erbitux used to treat? Erbitux is a new type of cancer drug used to treat cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. Erbitux is given with irinotecan, another anti-cancer medicine, or alone in patients who cannot tolerate irinotecan. 4. Is Erbitux a cure for colorectal cancer? At this time, it is not known whether Erbitux will improve symptoms of colorectal cancer or help patients live longer. In clinical trials in patients whose tumors were no longer responding to irinotecan, the combination of Erbitux and irinotecan shrank tumors in 22.9% of patients and treatment with Erbitux alone shrank tumors in 10.8% of patients. In all patients, the average time for significant tumor growth was 4.1 months for those who received combination treatment and 1.5 months for those treated with Erbitux alone. 5. How is Erbitux given? Erbitux is given intravenously (into a vein) in combination with irinotecan or alone. 6. What are the possible side effects of Erbitux? The infusion of Erbitux can cause serious side effects, which may include:
These are usually seen during the first treatment. Infrequent interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been reported in patients treated with Erbitux. However it is difficult to determine if Erbitux caused ILD since there are many other factors involved. ILD occurs when the lung becomes stiff due to scarring of the tissue between the air sacs of the lungs. Other more common side effects of Erbitux treatment are:
7. Where can I find more information on Erbitux and colorectal cancer?
Date created: February 13, 2004 |
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