Cetuximab Monotherapy and Cetuximab plus Irinotecan in Irinotecan-Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Au nanoparticles target cancer

The 'magic bullet' concept of specifically targeting cancer cells at the same time as sparing normal tissues is now proven, as several monoclonal antibodies and targeted small-molecule compounds have been approved for cancer treatment. Both antibodies and small-molecule compounds are therefore promising tools for target-protein-based cancer therapy. We discuss and compare the distinctive properties of these two therapeutic strategies so as to provide a better view for the development of new drugs and the future direction of cancer therapy.

http://dipbsf.uninsubria.it/monti/BFPN%202009/Ab%20&%20TKI.pdf

Comparing antibody and small-molecule therapies for cancer

EGFR is a tyrosine kinase that participates in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. Following ligand binding, EGFR stimulates downstream cell signaling cascades that influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, survival and complex processes, including angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. EGFR has been strongly implicated in the biology of human epithelial malignancies, with therapeutic applications in cancers of the colon, head and neck, lung, and pancreas. Accordingly, targeting EGFR has been intensely pursued, with the development of a series of promising molecular inhibitors for use in clinical oncology. As is common in cancer therapy, challenges with respect to treatment resistance emerge over time. This situation is certainly true of EGFR inhibitor therapies, where intrinsic and acquired resistance is now well recognized. In this Review, we provide a brief overview regarding the biology of EGFR, preclinical and clinical development of EGFR inhibitors, and molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of treatment resistance. A greater understanding of the mechanisms that lead to EGFR resistance may provide valuable insights to help design new strategies that will enhance the impact of this promising class of inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.

Understanding resistance to EGFR inhibitors-impact on future treatment strategies.

Epidermal growth factor receptor targeting in cancer: a review of trends and strategies.

Cetuximab: An epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody for the treatment of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVETo describe 3 cases of hypertriglyceridemia associated with the use of interferon alfa (IFN-α) for the treatment of malignant melanoma and propose a management plan for dyslipidemia associated with interferon therapyCASE SUMMARIESThree case reports of hypertriglyceridemia with or without elevation of total cholesterol level associated with the use of adjuvant IFN-α for the treatment of malignant melanoma are described. These patients received IFN-α-based adjuvant therapy with doses ranging from 5–20 million units/m2 for 1–2 years' duration. The onset and severity of dyslipidemia appeared to occur randomly. Pre-existing cardiovascular disorders did not seem to play a role. The patients were treated with atorvastatin, gemfibrozil, and a combination of lovastatin with niacin, depending on their lipid panel results.DISCUSSIONBased on our case reports and published data, hypertriglyceridemia is more frequently associated with longer duration of interferon therapy, although the time of onset is not cle...

Siu-Fun Wong

Papers

Cetuximab: An epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Management of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients Receiving Interferon for Malignant Melanoma

Potential drug-drug interaction between interferon alfa-2b and gemfibrozil in a patient with malignant melanoma.

Low-dose gemcitabine plus cisplatin in previously treated, relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.