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Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor)
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), preventing ligand-induced activation and downstream proliferation signaling in cancer cells.
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), preventing ligand-induced activation and downstream proliferation signaling in cancer cells. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer (KRAS wild-type), Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR-expressing).
At a glance
| Generic name | Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center |
| Drug class | EGFR inhibitor (monoclonal antibody) |
| Target | EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Cetuximab competitively inhibits ligand binding to EGFR, a receptor tyrosine kinase frequently overexpressed in solid tumors. By blocking EGFR activation, it suppresses downstream signaling pathways (MAPK and PI3K/AKT) that drive cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. This leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in EGFR-dependent tumors.
Approved indications
- Metastatic colorectal cancer (KRAS wild-type)
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- Non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR-expressing)
Common side effects
- Acneiform rash
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Infusion reactions
- Hypomagnesemia
- Paronychia
Key clinical trials
- Testing the Addition of Anti-cancer Drug, ZEN003694, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment, Cetuximab Plus Encorafenib, for Colorectal Cancer (PHASE1)
- Neoadjuvant PD-1 Inhibitor and EGFR Inhibitor in Locally Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (PHASE2)
- A Phase I/IIa Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of AZD0022 as Monotherapy and in Combination With Anti-cancer Agents in Adult Participants With Tumours Harbouring a KRASG12D Mutation (PHASE1)
- A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine PF-07985045 When Given Alone or With Other Anti-cancer Therapies in People With Advanced Solid Tumors That Have a Change in a Gene. (PHASE1)
- A Phase 1/2 Study of VS-7375 in Patients With KRAS G12D-Mutated Solid Tumors (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Study Evaluating [18F]NOTA-ABY030 for Safety and Tolerability of Indeterminate Primary and/or Metastatic Disease in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (PHASE1)
- CIML NK Cell in Head & Neck Cancer (PHASE1)
- A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine PF-07934040 When Given Alone or With Other Anti-cancer Therapies in People With Advanced Solid Tumors That Have a Genetic Mutation. (PHASE1)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center portfolio CI