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Cetuximab + concomitant boost radiotherapy
Cetuximab blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to inhibit tumor cell growth, and when combined with concomitant boost radiotherapy, enhances radiation-induced cell death in cancer cells.
Cetuximab blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling to inhibit tumor cell growth, and when combined with concomitant boost radiotherapy, enhances radiation-induced cell death in cancer cells. Used for Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (in combination with concomitant boost radiotherapy), Oropharyngeal cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | Cetuximab + concomitant boost radiotherapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Erbitux® |
| Sponsor | Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany |
| Drug class | EGFR inhibitor (monoclonal antibody) |
| Target | EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to EGFR and prevents ligand-induced receptor activation, blocking downstream proliferation and survival pathways. When administered concomitantly with boost radiotherapy (higher focal doses of radiation), cetuximab sensitizes tumor cells to radiation damage, potentially through inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms and radiosensitization of EGFR-expressing malignancies.
Approved indications
- Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (in combination with concomitant boost radiotherapy)
- Oropharyngeal cancer
Common side effects
- Acneiform rash
- Radiation dermatitis
- Mucositis
- Dysphagia
- Infusion reactions
- Hypomagnesemia
- Diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- Randomized Trial of Avelumab-cetuximab-radiotherapy Versus SOCs in LA SCCHN (REACH) (PHASE3)
- Concomitant Immune Check Point Inhibitor With Radiochemotherapy in Head And Neck Cancer (PHASE2)
- Accelerated Modulated Fractionation (SIB-IMRT) for Head and Neck District (PHASE2)
- Radiation Therapy and Cisplatin With or Without Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer (PHASE3)
- Induction Chemotherapy With TP+5-FU or TP+Cetuximab Followed by Radioimmuptherapy for Locally Advanced or Not Resectable SCCHNN (PHASE2)
- Cetuximab (ERBITUX®) Added to Two Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Platforms in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (PHASE2)
- Cetuximab Plus Radiotherapy Versus Cisplatin Plus Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (PHASE2)
- Cetuximab With Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck in Chinese Subjects (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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