Administration of cetuximab every 2 weeks in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: an effective, more convenient alternative to weekly administration?

Oncologist. 2008 Feb;13(2):113-9. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0201.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this paper is to present the available evidence for the administration of cetuximab on an every-2-weeks basis in combination with irinotecan in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted IgG(1) monoclonal antibody that is approved for use in combination with irinotecan or as monotherapy in the treatment of mCRC. The currently approved dosing regimen for cetuximab is a 400-mg/m(2) initial dose followed by 250 mg/m(2) weekly. Many commonly used chemotherapy agents for mCRC (including irinotecan alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]/folinic acid [FA] and oxaliplatin plus 5-FU/FA) are administered on an every-2-weeks basis. The ability to synchronize the administration of cetuximab and concomitant chemotherapy is desirable for both patients and health care workers. A cetuximab dose of 500 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks exhibited predictable pharmacokinetics, which were similar to those of the approved weekly dosing regimen. Active serum concentrations of cetuximab were maintained throughout the 2-week dosing period with this regimen. There was no difference between the dosing regimens on pharmacodynamic parameters in skin. The efficacy and safety of the every-2-weeks dosing regimen were similar to those reported for the approved weekly dosing regimen. The indication from these preliminary findings is that every-2-weeks administration of cetuximab (500 mg/m(2)) may be a potentially convenient alternative to the approved weekly dosing regimen of 250 mg/m(2) (following an initial dose of 400 mg/m(2)) in the treatment of mCRC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacokinetics
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Camptothecin / administration & dosage
  • Camptothecin / adverse effects
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives
  • Camptothecin / pharmacokinetics
  • Cetuximab
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Irinotecan
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Irinotecan
  • Cetuximab
  • Camptothecin