anti-PD-1 inhibitor + cetuximab

anti-PD-1 inhibitor + cetuximab is a combination therapy comprising an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Anti-PD-1 inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab block the PD-1 pathway to enhance T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity, while cetuximab inhibits EGFR signaling, suppressing tumor cell proliferation, survival, and promoting immune responses by augmenting cytotoxic lymphocyte activity and enhancing antigen presentation. This combination has shown synergistic antitumor activity, particularly in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), especially in HPV-negative tumors, with improved response rates and survival compared to monotherapy.

Other names

pembrolizumab + cetuximabnivolumab + cetuximabPD-1 inhibitor + cetuximab