skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8852

Review of catumaxomab in the treatment of malignant ascites

Review

(2336) Views  (602) Full article downloads

Authors: Martin Sebastian

Published Date November 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 283 - 286
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CMAR.S14115

Martin Sebastian
Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

Abstract: Malignant ascites is frequently found with various solid tumors, and no established treatment options exist, apart from symptomatic paracentesis. Catumaxomab, a trifunctional bispecific monoclonal antibody, has two binding specificities directed to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and the T cell antigen CD3. With its Fc-fragment, catumaxomab additionally binds accessory cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. The trifunctional approach thus leads to a major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted but specific killing of epithelial tumor cells without need for preactivation or external costimulation. Because EpCAM is expressed in most solid tumors, but not in tissue of mesothelial origin, intraperitoneal treatment with catumaxomab is tumor-specific. Intraperitoneal treatment with catumaxomab resulted in a significant prolongation of puncture-free survival in patients with malignant ascites due to epithelial cancer. Catumaxomab has been approved in Europe for the intraperitoneal treatment of malignant ascites in patients with EpCAM-positive epithelial tumors where standard therapy is not available or no longer feasible.

Keywords: catumaxomab, ascites, epithelial cell adhesion molecule






Readers of this article also read:

Role of aliskiren in cardio-renal protection and use in hypertensives with multiple risk factors
Optimal management of cancer anorexia–cachexia syndrome
Palliative treatment of malignant ascites: profile of catumaxomab
Cancer chemotherapy: targeting folic acid synthesis
Efficacy and safety of fentanyl buccal for cancer pain management by administration through a soluble film: an update
The relationship between deliberate self-harm behavior, body dissatisfaction, and suicide in adolescents: current concepts
Antioxidant oils and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium reduce tumor in an experimental model of hepatic metastasis
An update on the management of peripheral T-cell lymphoma and emerging treatment options
Cumulative clinical experience from over a decade of use of levofloxacin in community-acquired pneumonia: critical appraisal and role in therapy
Natural killer cells: role in local tumor growth and metastasis
  • Testimonials

    "... I was impressed at the rapidity of publication from submission to final acceptance." Dr Edwin Thrower, PhD, Yale University