cetuximab + 5-fluorouracil + cisplatin

Cetuximab + 5-fluorouracil + cisplatin is a combination regimen used primarily for the first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and has also been used for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking tumor cell proliferation and survival. 5-Fluorouracil is a small molecule antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, thereby impairing DNA synthesis. Cisplatin is a platinum-based small molecule chemotherapy agent that forms DNA crosslinks, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. The EXTREME regimen has demonstrated improved overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rates compared to chemotherapy alone in multiple Phase 3 trials and is FDA-approved for this indication[2][3][5].

Brand names

Erbitux + generic 5-fluorouracil + generic cisplatin

Other names

EXTREME regimen