Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 2 - Monoclonal antibodies (Cont'd)

G.1. Cetuximab (Erbitux, ImClone)

Mutation by chemicals, virus, radiation etc. could cause the over-expression of EGFR. Resulting in uncontrolled cell division and is associated with a number of cancers such as lung cancer, colon cancer, and glioblastoma multiforme (the most common and aggressive brain tumor).

Cetuximab is a recombinant mouse/human (chimeric) monoclonal antibody that binds to the extracellular domain of the EGFR, thereby blocking the activation of EGFR to achieve its anticancer effect. It is used for the treatment of EGFR-expressing metastatic colon cancer after failure of irinotecan (Irinotecan, a semisynthetic analogue of the natural alkaloid camptothecin, is a drug used for the treatment of colon cancer) and oxaliplatin-based regimens. Cetuximab is used in treating colon cancer patients, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Cetuximab is administered by infusion and may cause serious infusion reactions including rapid onset of airway obstruction, hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrest. Cetuximab may also cause electrolyte depletion for months after initiation of erbitux therapy.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2019

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen.

Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 2 - Kinase Modulators (cont'd)

E.2. Afatinib (Gilotrif™, Giotrif®)

The commercial product of afatinib (Fig. 1.13) is an orally administered inhibitor of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinases. Afatinib also inhibits human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The inhibition is through the formation of a C-S covalent bond between afatinib and a cysteine in EGFR.

Fig. 1.13  Afatinib

Afatinib (Fig. 1.13) was first indicated for treating non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, it has been reported that afatinib may be useful to treat other cancers.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2019

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen. 

Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects: Chapter 2 - Mitotic ihibitors (Tubule inhibitors)(Cont'd)

C.2. Vinblastine

Fig. 1.10  Vinblastine

Vinblastine (Fig. 1.10) was first isolated from a Madagascar plant, periwinkle. Vinblastine has been used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. It works as a mitotic inhibitor, similar to Paclitaxel through microtubule modulation by suppressing microtubule dynamics and the reduction microtubule mass.

© Jiajiu Shaw, 2019

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book, "SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY", prepared by Dr. Jiajiu Shaw, Dr. Frederick Valeriote, and Dr. Ben Chen. 

Risk factors of lung cancer

Smoking is known to be a significant risk factor of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world.  In the United State, non-small cell lung cancer represents 85% of all lung cancer cases.

Lung cancer was known as an occupational hazard of asbestos workers many years ago; that’s why asbestos has been banned for many years although they could exist in some very old buildings.  Also, it was reported that smoking and asbestos together can synergistically increase the risk of lung cancer.

In addition, exposure of several chemicals has been reported to be linked to lung cancer in the United States. These chemicals include chromium, formaldehyde, and nickel.


© Jiajiu Shaw, 2015

Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book I am writing, "IS CANCER IN US", to be published in about two months.