cetuximab + chemotherapy

Cetuximab + chemotherapy refers to the combination of **cetuximab**, a chimeric human/mouse monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (**EGFR**), with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens. Cetuximab acts by competitively inhibiting ligand binding to EGFR, blocking downstream signaling pathways responsible for tumor cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis, and facilitating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)[2][4][6]. Combining cetuximab with cytotoxic agents (such as irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and 5-fluorouracil in regimens like FOLFIRI and FOLFOX) forms a mainstay of first-line therapy for advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and is also used in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN)[1][3][4]. The synergy between cetuximab and chemotherapy improves overall survival and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone but is associated with a more complex toxicity profile, including increased risks for skin toxicity, hand-foot syndrome, diarrhea, and neutropenia[1][3]. The specific chemotherapeutic agent used in the combination varies according to cancer type and line of therapy.