cetuximab + temozolomide

Cetuximab + temozolomide is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two distinct anticancer agents. Cetuximab is a recombinant chimeric human/mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting its activation and downstream signaling, which leads to reduced tumor cell proliferation and survival. Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent that induces DNA damage by methylating guanine residues, resulting in apoptosis of rapidly dividing tumor cells. This combination has been explored primarily in preclinical models and early-phase clinical studies for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and other cancers, aiming to enhance antitumor efficacy through complementary mechanisms—targeted inhibition of EGFR signaling by cetuximab and direct cytotoxicity via DNA alkylation by temozolomide[5][9]. The rationale for combining these drugs lies in their potential synergistic effects on tumor growth inhibition.