A novel anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, Cetuximab (Erbitux®)

Abstract

Cetuximab is a chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 subclass that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab binds to the extracellular region of the human EGFR and competitively inhibits ligand binding. It can be used to block the EGFR signaling network that is involved in triggering and regulating the malignant growth of many EGFR-positive epithelial tumors. The blockade of EGFR results in the inhibition of tumor cell growth, leading to cell apoptosis. In in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, cetuximab has shown anti-tumor activities both in monotherapy and in combination with cytotoxic antitumor agents. Many clinical trials with cetuximab have been conducted worldwide, as a single agent or in combination with standard chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy and its anti-tumor activity and safety have been demonstrated in patients with colorectal, head and neck, lung, pancreatic, and renal carcinomas. The most common adverse event related to cetuximab consists of acneiform skin rash. A relationship between the severity of skin rash and prolonged survival with cetuximab has been observed, indicating that skin rash may be an important clinical indicator of efficacy. © 2006 The Japan Lung Cancer Society.