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EGFR inhibitors for HNC - Erbitux, Tarceva, Iressa,.... What is this ?

 
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DocSeiwert
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Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Posts: 20
PostPosted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:40 pm    Post subject: EGFR inhibitors for HNC - Erbitux, Tarceva, Iressa,.... Reply with quote
Hi,

I wanted to open the Head and Neck Cancer forum with a topic that is of central importance head and neck. It is a class of drugs that is increasingly used with radiation, by itself, or with chemotherapy. These drugs are called EGFR inhibitors and they come in several flavors.

As of 10/14/07 the one FDA approved agent is Erbitux (also known as cetuximab), an iv drug typically given weekly. It is used with radiation with curative intent, or in the metastatic disease setting by itself or with chemotherapy. Some other antibodies against EGFR are currently being developed including panitumumab, and zalutumumab.

There are several other agents that are given orally - Tarceva (erlotinib), Iressa (gefinitib) and several other agents in development (ZD6474, BIBW2992). These agents are not approved for head and neck cancer although are sometimes used as part of clinical trials or in situations where iv administration is too cumbersome.

These agents have a comparably mild toxicity profile and are widely regarded as a major improvement in the treatment of head and neck cancers. They have a unique side effect profile including a rash that is somewhat similar to acen.

If you have any experience with EGFR inhibitors or have questions, please go ahead and share with us...
_________________
Tanguy Seiwert, MD
Medical Oncologist, University of Chicago

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please always consult with your physician.
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