How do you administer cetuximab?
Do not administer ERBITUX as an intravenous push or bolus. Administer via infusion pump or syringe pump. Do not exceed an infusion rate of 10 mg/min. Administer through a low protein binding 0.22-micrometer in-line filter.
Is cetuximab chemotherapy?
Cetuximab is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and it exerts clinical activity in mCRC patients who are chemotherapy-resistant[6-8].
What are the side effects of cetuximab?
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking cetuximab:
- Skin reactions: In most people, this will present as an acne like rash and will develop within the first 2 weeks of therapy.
- Generalized weakness, fatigue.
- Weight loss and poor appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and Vomiting.
Can cetuximab shrink Tumours?
An early tumor shrinkage of 20% or more could identify patients, receiving a combination of chemotherapy plus cetuximab, who had both longer progression-free and overall survival.
Does cetuximab cause hair loss?
With some of the newer types of treatments, such as erlotinib, cetuximab, panitumumab, sorafenib and vemurafenib, the hair progressively can become thin, curly and dry, but it does not completely fall out. In these cases, the thinning is usually temporary.
Does RITUXAN weaken immune system?
Rituximab suppresses the immune system. Therefore, serious fungal, bacterial, and new or reactivated viral infections (for example, hepatitis B or C, shingles) can occur during or after treatment with rituximab.
When to take cetuximab for head and neck cancer?
The recommended dose of cetuximab, in combination with irinotecan, FOLFIRI or radiation or as monotherapy, is: (for head and neck cancer, give 1 week prior to radiation start date) (for head and neck cancer complete infusion 1 hour prior to that days radiation)
How long is the infusion for cetuximab cycle 2?
Cetuximab I.V. over one hour on Cycle 2 and beyond Estimated total infusion time for this treatment: Up to three hours for Cycle 1 due to pre-medications and assessment for infusion reactions; as short as 90 minutes for Cycle 2 and beyond
Where does cetuximab bind to a cancer cell?
Cetuximab binds to receptors, called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), located on the surface of cancer cells that signal the cell to divide and make more. Cetuximab does not stop normal cells from reproducing.
How does cetuximab work in the reticuloendothelial system?
Cetuximab is metabolized and eliminated via the reticuloendothelial system. Clearance decreases with increasing dose. In combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin) for first-line treatment (only ECOG performance status 0-1 patients were enrolled in clinical trials)