| Theme | Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer : An Update | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Clinical use of cetuximab in colorectal cancer | |
| Publish Date | 2009/11 | |
| Author | Hideaki Bando | Department of Endoscopy & Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author | Takayuki Yoshino | Department of Endoscopy & Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| [ Summary ] | Cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, was approved in Japan in July 2008 for the treatment of unresectable or recurrent advanced colorectal cancer. Cetuximab has been used in clinical practice for one year and many case histories have been accrued. KRAS gene tests are not currently covered under national health insurance in Japan. However, a guideline concerned with KRAS gene mutation assessment in Japanese patients has been produced. A great deal of effort has been expended to have this test be covered by the Japanese national health system. The mechanisms of anti-EGFR antibodies, applications for clinical practice, supportive therapies for adverse reactions, and anti-EGFR antibody biomarkers are described. |
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