Rational use of cetuximab in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Review

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Authors: Charu Aggarwal, Hossein Borghaei

Published Date August 2009 Volume 2009:2 Pages 251 - 260

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OTT.S4761

Charu Aggarwal, Hossein Borghaei

Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Most NSCLC patients present with loco-regionally advanced or metastatic disease where response rates are low and median overall survival approximates 8 to 10 months. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for NSCLC patients with metastatic disease. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and family of receptors play a critical role in lung cancer tumorigenesis. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody that binds the EGFR, has demonstrated preclinical and clinical activity against NSCLC. This review focuses on the use of cetuximab in NSCLC.

Keywords: cetuximab, lung cancer, monoclonal antibody