Cancer Blocking antibodies

Kozin SV, Boucher Y, Hicklin DJ, et al. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2-blocking antibody potentiates radiation-induced long-term control of human tumor xenografts. Cancer Res 2001 61 39 14. 

Whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF) enhances the radiosensitivity of human squamous ceU carcinoma cells in vitro (197), addition of EGF to hormone-deprived MCE-7 breast cancer cells prior to irradiation results ia iacreased radioresistance (198). An anti-EGE-receptor monoclonal antibody blocks the abiUty of EGE to enhance growth and radioresistance. Tumor cells, the growth of which is stimulated by EGE, appear to be protected those where growth is iohibited are sensitized (198). 

Cetuximab is a human/mouse antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor to block its stimulation. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab demonstrate a volume of distribution that approximates the vascular space and a terminal half-life of 70 to 100 hours. Cetuximab has shown clinical activity in the treatment of colorectal cancer. An acnelike rash may appear on the face and upper torso 1 to 3 weeks after the start of therapy. Other side effects include hypersensitivity reactions, interstitial lung disease, fever, malaise, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting. 

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