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Irinotecan/Cetuximab
Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase I to damage cancer cell DNA, while cetuximab blocks EGFR signaling to prevent tumor growth and enhance chemotherapy sensitivity.
Irinotecan inhibits topoisomerase I to damage cancer cell DNA, while cetuximab blocks EGFR signaling to prevent tumor growth and enhance chemotherapy sensitivity. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer, EGFR-positive or wild-type KRAS, Advanced colorectal cancer as first-line or later-line therapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Irinotecan/Cetuximab |
|---|---|
| Also known as | CPT11/Cetuximab |
| Sponsor | Gruppo Italiano per lo studio dei Carcinomi dell'Apparato Digerente |
| Drug class | Combination chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody |
| Target | Topoisomerase I (irinotecan); EGFR (cetuximab) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that causes DNA damage in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which blocks growth signaling and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy. The combination leverages synergistic effects in EGFR-expressing colorectal cancers.
Approved indications
- Metastatic colorectal cancer, EGFR-positive or wild-type KRAS
- Advanced colorectal cancer as first-line or later-line therapy
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Acneiform rash
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- Testing Pump Chemotherapy in Addition to Standard of Care Chemotherapy Versus Standard of Care Chemotherapy Alone for Patients With Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: The PUMP Trial (PHASE3)
- A Study of Amivantamab and mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI Versus Cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI as First-line Treatment in Participants With KRAS/NRAS and BRAF Wild-type Unresectable or Metastatic Left-sided Colorectal Cancer (PHASE3)
- A Phase II Study of AMT-676 Combination Therapies in Advanced Colorectal Cancer (PHASE2)
- A Study of the Pan-KRAS Inhibitor LY4066434 in Participants With KRAS Mutant Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- EGF-Depleting Therapy CIMAvax-EGF in Combination With Standard Therapy for RAS- and BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Chemotherapy in Chinese Participants With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer (MK-3475-C66) (PHASE3)
- Phase I Trial of Adagrasib (MRTX849) in Combination With Cetuximab and Irinotecan in Patients With Colorectal Cancer (PHASE1)
- A Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Targeted Therapies in Subpopulations of Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (INTRINSIC) (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 |
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