Necitumumab

Other name

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International/Other brands

Portrazza

Groups

Approved

Structure

Prescription products

Target

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Description

Necitumumab is an intravenously administered recombinant monoclonal IgG1 antibody used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an EGFR antagonist. It functions by binding to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and prevents binding of its ligands, a process that is involved in cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and malignant progression. Binding of necitumumab to EGFR induces receptor internalization and degradation, thereby preventing further activation of EGFR which is beneficial in NSCLC as many patients have increased protein expression of EGFR. Necitumumab is approved for use in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Indications

Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Other indications

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Mechaism of action

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Absorption

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Metabolism

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Toxicity

The poor safety profile of necitumumab has been one of the major limitations of its use. Rigorous monitoring of the following adverse events is recommended for the use of this drug: cardiopulmonary arrest, hypomagnesia, venous and arterial thromboembolic events, dermatologic toxicities, and infusion-related reactions. Due to observations of increased toxicity and mortality in treatment of non-squamous NSCLC, necitumumab is only recommended for the treatment of squamous NSCLC in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine. Animal studies suggest potential embryo-fetal toxicity.