New and Emerging Treatments in Lung Cancer
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Erbitux
Generic drug name: |
cetuximab |
Brand/trade name: |
Erbitux |
Manufactured by: |
ImClone Systems with Bristol Meyers Squibb and Lilly |
FDA approval: |
Not currently approved for the treatment of lung cancer. |
Type of drug: |
Targeted therapy |
Overview:
Erbitux is a targeted therapy that is currently FDA approved to treat colorectal, head, and neck cancers. Erbitux is a monoclonal antibody which blocks a protein that helps cancer cells to grow. It also seems to improve treatment response to radiation and traditional chemotherapy.
Results released at the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting indicated promise in the use of Erbitux with a platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin) as a first line (initial) treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Results from the large, international FLEX study showed an increase in overall survival for non-small cell lung cancer patients (all ages, subtypes and stages) who had taken Erbitux, with fewer side effects.
ImClone Systems and Bristol-Myers Squibb submitted an application to the FDA for the approval of Erbitux in non-small cell lung cancer at the end of 2008. The application was withdrawn in January 2009 after the FDA asked for more information about the chemical compound of the Erbitux used in the FLEX studies. The FDA wants to make sure that the compound used in trials overseas is comparable to the compound that is currently used in the United States.
Clinical trials:
Erbitux continues to be tested in several non-small cell lung cancer clinical trials.
Treatment Overview:
Erbitux is given through the vein (intravenously). It is not approved for the treatment of lung cancer in the United States.
Common side effects:
Erbitux’s most common side effects include rash, generalized weakness, fever, low magnesium levels
For more detailed treatment information about Erbitux:
For more information about the results of the FLEX study presented at ASCO, see:
http://www.asco.org/ASCO/Abstracts+%26+Virtual+Meeting/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=55&abstractID=30338
For more information on the withdrawal of the FDA application, see the Lilly press release:
http://newsroom.lilly.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=361230
