Abstract
14151 Background. Anti-EGFR antibodies have been approved in combination with radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(SCCHN) and being tried in glioblastoma multiforme(GBM). The overall toxicity profile is tolerable. There is no data available on Humanized Anti EGFR antibody in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Nimotuzumab, the humanized MAb derived from ior EGFR/R3, is a genetically engineered IgG1, with high affinity and specificity to EGFR. This study was undertaken to record the immediate and early toxicity of combining Nimotuzumab with various chemotherapeutic agents. Methods. Patients with SCCHN and GBM, scheduled to receive chemotherapy alone were additionally given 400mg of Nimotuzumab, every three weeks. Two patients with GBM received weekly Nimotuzumab 200 mg along with radiation and chemotherapy. Overall 19 events have been analyzed. The chemoschedules used in combination with Nimotuzumab included-Docetaxel, Carboplatin and Capecitabine in patients with SCCHN and Temozolamide/ Procarbazine in GBM. Antibody infusion was always preceded by antihistaminics and dexamethasone. Results.The combination of Nimotuzumab with chemotherapy was well tolerated. There were no acute infusion related events. No febrile, allergic or anaphylactic episodes were seen. Cutaneous rash classical of other EGFR blockers was not recorded. Two episodes of grade 3 diarrhea, and four events of asthenia were seen. Dryness of the mouth was a complaint in SCCHN patients. None of the patients showed neurological or cardiovascular adverse events. Hematological and biochemical derangements were not observed. Conclusion. Nimotuzumab can safely be combined with various chemotherapeutic agents .There is no unacceptable toxicity associated with combination of chemotherapy and humanized anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. New schedules combining Nimotuzumab and chemotherapy can be safely explored. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Published Version
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