Cetuximab
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer |
| Therapy | Anti-Neoplastic |
| Side Effects | Hypomagnesaemia (magnesium deficiency), increase in liver enzyme levels, skin reactions, dehydration, headache, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting |
Medicines
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Molecule Description
Cetuximab is an anticancer medication. It is used to treat certain types of cancer, including head and neck cancer as well as colorectal cancer. It works by helping the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells.
Common side effects include nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, fever, or chills. Regular blood tests are required to monitor your blood cell counts, heart health, liver function, and electrolyte levels.
Cetuximab may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so take precautions to protect your skin from sun exposure. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor of any pre-existing heart or kidney conditions and provide a list of all current medications, as Cetuximab can interact with many medicines.
Uses
- Head and neck cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Contraindications
When should one not use Cetuximab
- If you have any allergy to cetuximab or any other ingredient of this medicine.
- Cetuximab should not be used with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have RAS mutations or whose RAS status is unknown.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Hypomagnesaemia (magnesium deficiency)
- Increase in liver enzyme levels
- Skin reactions
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have a history of allergy to red meat or tick bites, or you test positive for IgE antibodies against cetuximab (α-1-3-galactose), which puts you at a higher risk of anaphylactic reactions.
- You have pre-existing cardio-pulmonary diseases or reduced performance status
- You have experienced symptoms like dyspnoea, cough, or fever, which could indicate interstitial lung disease (ILD).
- You have progressively decreased serum magnesium, potassium, or calcium levels, necessitating regular monitoring and electrolyte repletion during cetuximab therapy.
- You have developed severe neutropenia or related infectious complications, especially when cetuximab is combined with platinum-based chemotherapy.
- You have cardiovascular conditions or are at risk of severe cardiovascular events, particularly if you are aged 65 years or older or have a compromised performance status.
- You have symptoms of keratitis, such as eye inflammation, blurred vision, or lacrimation. If ulcerative keratitis is diagnosed, cetuximab should be discontinued.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Cetuximab is a targeted cancer therapy that works by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells. This blocks the signals that promote cell growth and survival, leading to slowed or stopped cancer cell growth. Cetuximab can trigger the immune system to attack cancer cells and reduce the number of EGFR receptors on the cell surface.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Cetuximab, when combined with other medications, can increase the risk of certain side effects.
- With platinum-based chemotherapy: Higher risk of severe low blood cell counts (leukopenia, neutropenia), leading to infections like febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and sepsis.
- With fluoropyrimidines: Increased risk of heart problems (ischemia, heart failure) and hand-foot syndrome (redness, swelling, and pain in the palms and soles of the feet).
- With capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX): Increased risk of severe diarrhoea.
Dosage
Overdose
This medicine is given by healthcare professionals so it is unlikely that you will be given too much medicine. If you think you have been given too much medicine, tell your doctor. You may experience side effects if you have been injected with too much medicine.
Missed a Dose
Cetuximab is given by a healthcare professional. If you miss your scheduled infusion, contact your doctor as soon as possible to rebook.
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