carboplatin + 5-fluorouracil + cetuximab

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of **carboplatin** (a platinum-based antineoplastic agent), **5-fluorouracil** (a pyrimidine analog antimetabolite), and **cetuximab** (a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR). This combination is primarily used as a **first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck** (SCCHN)[1][2][3][4][6]. - **Carboplatin** forms DNA adducts, inhibiting DNA synthesis and function, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. - **5-Fluorouracil** inhibits thymidylate synthase and impairs DNA and RNA synthesis. - **Cetuximab** binds to EGFR, blocking ligand-induced activation and downstream signaling, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation and survival. This combination is approved for its additive and potentially synergistic antitumor effects, and it has demonstrated increased overall survival in clinical trials for SCCHN when compared to chemotherapy alone[1][2][3][5][6]. The regimen is administered intravenously[1][2][3].

Other names

adapted EXTREME regimencetuximab-carboplatin-5FUcetuximab-carboplatin5FUcetuximab-carboplatin 5FUELAN-FIT regimen