patritumab + cetuximab + platinum-based therapy

This is a **combination therapy** consisting of three drugs: **patritumab** (a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting HER3/ERBB3), **cetuximab** (a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor/EGFR), and a **platinum-based chemotherapy agent** (either cisplatin or carboplatin). The regimen was studied primarily as a first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Patritumab blocks HER3 signaling, counteracting a known mechanism of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies induced by heregulin. Cetuximab inhibits EGFR signaling, and platinum agents cause DNA cross-linking and damage, leading to tumor cell death[1][3][5]. This combination was found to be tolerable and showed clinical activity, although a phase II study did not demonstrate superiority over cetuximab plus platinum alone as first-line therapy for SCCHN[3]. The combination uses intravenous administration of all components.