zalutumumab + cisplatin

Zalutumumab + cisplatin is an investigational combination regimen comprising **zalutumumab**, a fully human IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and **cisplatin**, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent. Zalutumumab binds to EGFR, blocking ligand binding, inhibiting downstream signaling, and inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, while cisplatin induces DNA crosslinking leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. The combination was primarily studied in locally advanced or recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), with the hypothesis that dual targeting of EGFR and DNA synthesis might improve therapeutic efficacy. However, robust randomized phase III data show that the addition of zalutumumab to radiotherapy and concomitant cisplatin does not improve outcomes, but increases acute toxicity[3].