Erbitux: An Overview of This FDA-Approved Cancer Medication
This is an FDA-approved medication for head-and-neck cancers and colorectal cancer that has spread to other regions of the body.
Who is Eligible for Erbitux?
Only individuals with KRAS wild-type tumors (those without a mutation in the KRAS gene) and tumors that have a protein called "epidermal growth factor receptor" (EGFR) should receive ERBITUX.
Possible Side Effects of Erbitux
How Does the Treatment Work?
• As the first line of treatment - Patients take ERBITUX in combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin).
• Patients whose illness has progressed after receiving chemotherapy with irinotecan are given ERBITUX in combination with another chemotherapy drug.
• It's effective as a single agent for patients whose disease has advanced after having both irinotecan and oxaliplatin.
• It's best for people who can't take irinotecan-based chemotherapy.
Limitations of Use
ERBITUX is not licensed to treat colorectal cancer in people whose tumors have mutations in RAS genes or patients whose RAS mutation status is unknown.
Erbitux Dosage and Administration
In combination with Radiation Therapy:
• Initial ERBITUX dose: 400 mg/m2 given as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week before the start of radiation therapy.
• Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m2 given once a week as a 60-minute infusion for the course of radiation therapy (7 weeks).
• Start taking ERBITUX 1 hour before the radiation treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Erbitux is primarily used for:
- Colorectal cancer that has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) and expresses the EGFR protein.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, either as a standalone treatment or combined with other therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
The duration of Erbitux treatment varies based on the type of cancer being treated and how well the cancer responds. It is often given until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur.
If you miss a scheduled dose of Erbitux, contact your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule. Do not attempt to self-administer the drug.
Many patients can maintain their regular activities while on Erbitux, but fatigue and other side effects may impact energy levels. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your activities accordingly.
Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about:
- Your complete medical history, including any past reactions to monoclonal antibodies.
- Any current medications or supplements you're taking.
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
- The potential side effects and how to manage them.
Patients on Erbitux will be regularly monitored through blood tests to check for side effects like low magnesium levels, liver function, and white blood cell counts. Physical exams and imaging may also be used to track the cancer’s response to treatment.
