Main content Cetuximab



    Generic Name Brand Name
    cetuximab Erbitux

    How It Works

    Cetuximab belongs to a group of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It blocks a protein called epidermal growth factor that helps cancer cells grow and multiply. Cetuximab is an intravenous (IV) drug.

    Monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab may not work for some people. So before you have this treatment, your tumor tissue will be checked for certain gene changes (mutations), such as the wild-type KRAS mutation.

    Why It Is Used

    Cetuximab is used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer .

    How Well It Works

    Cetuximab helps some other chemotherapy drugs work better than they do alone. For example, when used with irinotecan, cetuximab slows tumor growth in approximately 23% of people who have metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer. 1

    Side Effects

    Cetuximab can cause serious side effects, usually during the first treatment. Side effects may include:

    • Difficulty breathing.
    • Low blood pressure.
    • Scarring of the lungs (interstitial lung disease).
    • Skin rash.
    • Dry skin.
    • Weakness and fatigue.
    • Fever.
    • Constipation.
    • Abdominal (belly) pain.

    Cetuximab may cause more serious side effects, such as loss of consciousness , shock , cardiac arrest, and not being able to breathe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that people who take this medicine should be watched closely while they are getting this medicine and for 1 hour afterward.

    The FDA also warns that some people may get a severe rash and/or infections when they take this medicine.


    What To Think About

    Cetuximab should be administered only under the supervision of a medical oncologist .


    Cetuximab has been approved for use only in adults. There is no specific information comparing use of cetuximab in children with its use in other age groups.






    By Healthwise Staff
    Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Last Revised September 5, 2012

