What factors determine whether Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a recommended treatment for colon and rectal cancer?

Topic Tags:  
Topic Tags:  
Done
Emailz
1
Expert Answers

AxelGrotheyMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 05 / 15 / 2012

Cetuximab and panitumumab are both monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a molecule on the surface of tumor cells. Over the last 5 years it has become apparent that these agents have no activity in patients with KRAS mutated colorectal cancers. KRAS is an intracellular protein downstream of EGFR and mutations turn the activity of a cancer pathway on, regardless whether cetuximab or panitumumab are bound to the EGFR on the cancer cell surface. About 40% of colorectal cancer exhibit KRAS mutations and these patients are not candidates for treatment with EGFR antibodies. The remaining 60% have a chance to benefit from cetuximab or panitumumab. Whether and when in a certain treatment sequence the EGFR antibodies should be used (rather early or later) is a matter of debate right now and is being investigated in clinical trials. Since the addition of cetuximab and panitumumab to chemotherapy quite reliably leads to increased response rates, meaning a higher likelihood of tumor to shrink, one of the most common uses for these antibodies in first-line therapy is when tumor shrinkage of liver metastases has to be achieved before a surgeon can resect the liver lesions. Unfortunately, this is not a common scenario so that in my clinical practice EGFR antibodies are more commonly used in later lines of therapy, not least to spare patients the stigmatizing facial rash associated with these drugs at least for some time.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
What factors determine if treatment for myeloma is not needed right away, and monitoring is recommended?
What factors determine if vemurafenib (Zelboraf) is a recommended treatment for melanoma?
For stage 2 bladder cancer, what factors determine if neoadjuvant chemotherapy is recommended?
What factors determine if adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for early stage endometrial cancer?
For Stage 1 breast cancer, what factors determine if chemotherapy is recommended?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service