What are the side effects of cetuximab?
The most common side effects of Erbitux include:
- rash,
- itching,
- dry or cracked skin,
- nail changes,
- headache,
- diarrhea,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
How is cetuximab administered?
It binds to a certain protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR) in some tumors. Cetuximab is a man-made protein (monoclonal antibody). HOW TO USE: Cetuximab is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once every week or every 2 weeks by a healthcare professional.
How successful is cetuximab?
Cetuximab also has activity as monotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN who had failed platinum-based chemotherapy,. with a 12.6% response rate, disease control rate of 46%, and median response duration of ~ 6 months.
What type of cancer is cetuximab used for?
Cetuximab injection is used together with radiation treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), or with a platinum-based cancer medicine with fluorouracil to treat SCCHN that has come back (recurrent) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Can cetuximab shrink Tumours?
In this study, the side effects and severity of adverse reactions seen with the cetuximab product used were consistent with other studies of US patients receiving ERBITUX for mCRC. Shrinkage of combined tumor size was ≥50%.
How long do cetuximab side effects last?
More than 8 out of 10 patients (80%) are likely to have a skin reaction with this drug. Some of these reactions are likely to be severe. Most of these side effects happen in the first 3 weeks of starting treatment and disappear once the treatment is finished.
How long is cetuximab given?
The recommended infusion period is 120 minutes. For the subsequent weekly doses, the recommended infusion period is 60 minutes. The infusion rate must not exceed 10 mg/min. Erbitux is contraindicated in patients with known severe (grade 3 or 4) hypersensitivity reactions to cetuximab.
What is the cost of cetuximab?
The Costs of Cancer Treatments
| Drug (brand name) | Regimen | Total cost ‡ |
|---|---|---|
| Cetuximab (Erbitux) | Loading: 400 mg/m 2 ; maintain: 250 mg/m 2 /wk | $80 352 |
| Bevacizumab (Avastin) | 10 mg/kg every 14 d | $90 816 |
| Erlotinib (Tarceva) | 150 mg daily | $15752 |
| Sorafenib (Nexavar) | 400 mg twice a day | $34373 |
How long does it take for cetuximab to work?
It takes about 2 hours the first time you have it. If you don’t have any problems, the following treatments take an hour. How long you have cetuximab depends on your cancer type. You have cetuximab on its own or with other chemotherapy drugs.
Can cetuximab cure cancer?
Cetuximab-based chemotherapy is a standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) (1). However, it is not used as curative intent and the disease generally relapses or get progressive.
Is cetuximab chemo?
Cetuximab belongs to a group of targeted therapy drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. Cetuximab is used to treat advanced bowel cancer when tests show the cancer cells do not have a change (mutation) in a gene called RAS. It is usually given with chemotherapy or sometimes targeted therapies.
What kind of drug is cetuximab?
Cetuximab is a type of targeted cancer drug. It is also known by its brand name Erbitux. You might have it as a treatment for advanced bowel cancer and head and neck cancers that start in the mouth and throat.
Does Medicare cover cetuximab?
As the table above indicates, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, cetuximab, and bevacizumab are Medicare covered for the FDA-approved and compendia-supported use in adjuvant and/or 1st and/or 2nd line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.
Who makes cetuximab?
Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb Restructure Erbitux® (cetuximab) Collaboration in North America | Eli Lilly and Company.