cetuximab + cisplatin

Cetuximab + cisplatin is a combination therapy used primarily in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting its activation and downstream signaling, which leads to reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent that forms DNA crosslinks, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. The combination has been shown to improve overall survival and disease-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone, particularly as part of regimens like the EXTREME protocol. This combination can also help overcome resistance mechanisms such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) seen with cisplatin monotherapy[1][2][6].

Other names

CDDPcis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)