Erbitux (Cetuximab)

If anyone has had any experience of using this drug I would be very grateful for their comments as to:
- why it was recommended
- it's side-effects
- it's effectiveness (or otherwise)

or indeed any comments that you think might be helpful.

With thanks. Brenda

If you prefer you can email me at brenda.brady@consil.co.uk

Dr.Joshi has put up some excellent,informative links somewhere on this on this site.

Tony K

My dad went thru this treatment and it didnt work.. It caused his nose to break out looked like a bad sunburn .. made his skin itchy.. that is due to mice molecules.. He is on a stronger med now since that didnt work.. He wasnt and still isnt tired but has alot of energy.. so we shall see if this new treatment works or not.. Im praying it does

Thanks Tony - yes, I have read all the stuff, just wanted some personal feedback. As the drug is available in the US I was hoping some of our American friends would respond.

Hello eyecandy007, I'm sorry that Erbitux didn't work for your Dad but sincerely hope that the new drug will suit him better and he soon has positive results.
Can you explain what 'mice molecules' mean? Regards Brenda.

Thats what the drug is made up of, mice molecules thats why peoples face will break out due to that

Hopefully the new treatment will work

here this link might help you out

http://www.chemocare.com/bio/erbitux.asp

Erbitux is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody (genetically engineered version of a mouse antibody that contains both human and mouse components). Antibodies in the body are substances produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances. It can be produced in large quantities in the laboratory. This new monoclonal antibody is believed to work by targeting a natural protein called "epidermal growth factor receptor" (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells, interfering with their growth.

So, if you have an allergy to cetuximab or mouse protein, you may not be able to use Erbitux, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Ref: What is the most important information I should know about Erbitux?

2nd treatment he was on didnt work.. He is now on 5FU which I think is the strongest... Nothing but bad news .. never anything positive.. My dad isregrettting the surgery even if he only had 2 years he could be able to eat and have some quality of life.. he has none of that

Hello eyecandy

Unfortunately, every decision carries a calculated risk and it is difficult to predict the outcome of treatment. The only thing that each of us has any control about is how we react to the outcome. Despite the disappointments, do try and keep cheerful and help your father see past the cancer and this dark time for there have been good times. Be cheerful yourself and give him your caring and cheer just as you would wish your loved ones to give you when you are ill. Touch him, mop his brow, carress his face and feed him like you would a sick child and he and you will feel better for your love for one another is something that cancer cannot take away.

Give your father my best wishes.

Vinod

easier sad then done.. He has no hope of anything anymore and is very depressed he wont go see a shrink b.c he says what can they do a "miracle" nobody can help me .. He isnt the man I knew at all.. I hate to say this but the dad I knew died a year ago