cetuximab + oxaliplatin

Cetuximab + oxaliplatin is a combination regimen used primarily in the treatment of certain cancers, most notably metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced gastric cancer. Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting its signaling pathway and thereby blocking cell proliferation and survival signals in tumor cells. Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that induces cytotoxicity by forming DNA crosslinks, leading to apoptosis of rapidly dividing cells. Preclinical studies have shown that cetuximab can potentiate the cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin through combined defects in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and DNA replication initiation, resulting in enhanced antitumor activity in some colorectal cancer cell lines[1]. However, clinical trials have produced mixed results regarding efficacy; while some studies suggest potential benefit when combined with fluoropyrimidines for specific patient populations (e.g., KRAS wild-type tumors), large phase III trials did not show improved survival or progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone[3][5]. The combination may be considered as first- or second-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer under certain conditions.

Other names

cetuximab plus oxaliplatincetuximab and oxaliplatin