cetuximab + palbociclib

Cetuximab + palbociclib is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two targeted agents used primarily in oncology clinical trials. Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting downstream signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival. Palbociclib is a selective small molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), which are key regulators of cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. The rationale for combining these agents arises from preclinical and clinical evidence that CDK4/6 pathway activation can mediate resistance to EGFR inhibitors, particularly in cancers with deregulated cyclin D1 or p16 loss. This combination has been studied mainly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)—especially HPV-negative or platinum/cetuximab-resistant disease—and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with KRAS wild-type status, aiming to overcome resistance mechanisms by dual inhibition of EGFR signaling and cell cycle progression[1][2][5][7].

Brand names

IbranceErbitux

Other names

cetuximab and palbociclibpalbociclib plus cetuximab