CETUXIMAB
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved cetuximab for treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and squamous cell carcinoma on 12 February 2004.
Uses
Cetuximab is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer and squamous cancer of the head and neck by inhibiting the growth and spread of the cancer cells.
How is it administered?
It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer the injection. Before giving the Cetuximab injection, you will be given other antiallergic medicine (pre-medication) to reduce the possible side effects. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors. It will be given as an intravenous infusion, and you will be monitored carefully for any unwanted side effects.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Cetuximab are diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, excessive growth of hair in the skin, low blood counts, difficulty breathing, cough, liver problems, infections, headache, weakness, and skin rash. Serious side effects while taking Cetuximab are infusion reactions (swelling of face, eyes, mouth, throat, or lips, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, fainting, or fever), heart problems, blistering or peeling of the skin, and vision problems.
Warnings
Cetuximab may cause infusion-related side effects, so monitoring your reaction during and even after the treatment is important. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients Inform your doctor if you are allergic to red meat or tick bite or positive for antibodies; since it makes a severe allergic reaction. Please tell your doctor if you have eye problems like blurred vision, red or severe dry eyes, or eye pain. Inform your doctor if you have heart, lung, or kidney problems before starting this treatment.
Precautions
Your doctor will take a blood test to monitor your WBC count; because there is a chance of reducing WBC counts, while taking this medicine with a combination of anticancer medicine (platinum-based therapy) Inform your doctor if you take Fluropyrimidine as an anticancer combination medicine as this medication can cause life-threatening heart problems. Do not breastfeed or drive while taking the Cetuximab injection. Discuss the effective contraception method as this medicine should not be used during pregnancy. It is unsafe to consume alcohol because it can cause excessive drowsiness. Consult your doctor for more information.
Word of Advice
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. Store Cetuximab in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Contact your doctor regarding any storage concerns. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule the next appointment immediately. Before starting treatment, your doctor will monitor your blood to determine whether it contains the normal or mutant form of RAS. If mutant RAS is present, Cetuximab must not be used in combination with other anticancer treatments containing Oxaliplatin. Use is not advised in children and adolescents.
References
Merck Europe BV, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on July 2019] [ Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/317/pil Eli Lilly and Company, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2019] [ Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/125084s273lbl.pdf Richard M Goldberg; Cetuximab; Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery; Published on May 2005; Accessed on 22nd April 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15962524/
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cetuximab cure cancer?
Cetuximab is not a cure for cancer; instead, it can help to slow down or restrict the growth and spread of cancer cells, which improves the quality of life of patients with certain types of cancer.
How is Cetuximab different from other cancer drugs?
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody drug that targets a specific protein in cancer cells, while other cancer drugs may work differently.
How often do patients need to receive Cetuximab treatments?
The frequency of Cetuximab treatments can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as other factors such as the patient's overall health.
Can Cetuximab be used in combination with other cancer treatments?
Yes, Cetuximab is often used with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat certain types of cancer.
What is the difference between Cetuximab and other cancer treatments?
Cetuximab is a targeted therapy that specifically targets cancer cells with high levels of EGFR. It differs from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which target cancer and healthy cells.