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.
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.
Possible Side Effects of Erbitux
· Feeling weak
· Fever
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Weight loss
· Dehydration
· Elevated liver enzymes in blood test
· Sore throat
· Acne-like rash
· Skin irritation in the radiation area
· Pain
· Decreased appetite
· Joint pain
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.
