cetuximab + urelumab

Cetuximab + urelumab is a combination therapy being investigated for advanced solid tumors. This combination pairs two distinct mechanisms of action: Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), competitively inhibiting the binding of epidermal growth factor and other ligands. It prevents EGFR activation and downstream signaling pathways, inhibiting cell cycle progression, cell survival, and tumor cell motility. Cetuximab also induces cell apoptosis and decreases matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor production. Urelumab is a fully human, non-ligand binding, CD137 agonist IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets and activates CD137 receptors expressed on immune cells (T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells, B cells, monocytes, and neutrophils). Upon binding, urelumab activates the CD137 pathway, providing a strong costimulatory signal to T cells and boosting antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of NK cells. This enhances cytokine production, T-cell survival, and proliferation, ultimately promoting anti-tumor immunity. The combination was developed to potentially enhance anti-tumor activity through complementary mechanisms - direct tumor cell targeting via EGFR inhibition and immune system activation via CD137 stimulation.

Brand names

Erbitux

Other names

anti-CD137 monoclonal antibody (for urelumab)BMS-663513 + cetuximab