IMC-C225, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody for treatment of head and neck cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck remains a clinical challenge because of the high rate of locoregional disease recurrence. The importance of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the development and progression of many solid tumors, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, is well understood; increased expression is associated with enhanced tumor invasiveness, resistance to chemotherapy, and a lower patient survival rate. Several approaches have been developed to achieve EGFR blockade as an anticancer treatment strategy, including the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody IMC-C225, which competitively binds to the extracellular receptor site and prevents binding by the natural EGFR ligands EGF and transforming growth factor-alpha. Preclinical studies to evaluate IMC-225 in human cancer cell lines in vitro and human tumor xenografts in vivo have shown its potent antitumor activity. Clinical efficacy of IMC-C225 appears to involve multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of metastasis, and enhancement of the response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Phase I studies of IMC-C225 combined with chemotherapy or radiation showed promising response rates in patients with recurrent or refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Phase II and III trials to examine the efficacy and safety of these combinations are currently underway. To date, IMC-C225 has been well tolerated, with skin rashes and allergic reactions being the most clinically important adverse events reported. IMC-C225 displays dose-dependent elimination characteristics and a half-life of approximately 7 days. Current recommendations for dosing include a 400 mg/m(2) loading dose, followed by weekly infusions at 250 mg/m(2). Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.