Monoclonal antibodyFDA-approvedFirst-line
Cetuximab
How it works
Cetuximab targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells, blocking the growth signal and leading to cell death.
Cancer types
Melanoma— EGFR-expressing
Colorectal Cancer— Wild-type KRAS
Lung Cancer— All patients
Pancreatic Cancer— EGFR-expressing
Efficacy
In clinical trials, cetuximab improved overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and wild-type KRAS, with median survival ranging from 10 to 20 months.
Side effects
Moderate
Side effects can be significant and may require dose adjustments or supportive medication, but the treatment is usually continued.
Evidence from research
| Study | Cancer type | Stage | Efficacy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testing a New Treatment for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | phase-1 | — | Source → |
| Study of a New Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | phase-3 | — | Source → |
| Butyrate May Reduce Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Treatment | Colorectal Cancer | lab-study | — | Source → |
| Machine Learning Predicts Cancer Treatment Outcomes | Colorectal Cancer | phase-3 | Higher toxicity clusters were associated with improved overall survival and progression-free survival outcomes (adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 2.21 to 4.36) and higher CET concentrations (p = .003). | Source → |
| RAS Mutations in Blood Linked to Poorer Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | phase-2 | The presence of ctDNA RAS mutations at any time point was significantly associated with poorer progression-free survival (adjusted HR = 2.24, P = .02). | Source → |
| Woman with Advanced Colon Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy | Colorectal Cancer | observational | — | Source → |
| Rare Cancer Complication Found in Patient with BRAF Mutated Colon Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | observational | — | Source → |
| Comparing Two Cancer Treatments in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | phase-3 | There was no significant difference in median overall survival between treatment groups (9.1 months vs 10.1 months). | Source → |
| Combining Chemotherapy and Anti-EGFR Antibody May Help Some Colorectal Cancer Patients | Colorectal Cancer | meta-analysis | The pooled objective response rate was 85% (95% CI, 0.78-0.91; I = 58%) and the pooled rate of R0 resection was 42% (95% CI, 0.32-0.53; I = 62%). | Source → |
This information is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.