Cetuximab for Skin Cancer
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial team or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Cetuximab for skin cancer?
Cetuximab has shown effectiveness in treating a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, especially in cases where the cancer cannot be surgically removed and has strong expression of a protein called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). This suggests it may be beneficial for similar skin cancer cases.12345
Is cetuximab generally safe for humans?
Cetuximab is generally considered safe for humans, but it can cause some side effects like skin rashes and nail problems. Severe allergic reactions during infusion are rare but can be serious, so medical staff usually take precautions to prevent them. Overall, its safety profile is favorable compared to many traditional chemotherapy drugs.12367
How is the drug Cetuximab unique in treating skin cancer?
Cetuximab is unique for treating skin cancer because it specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is important for the growth of many cancers, and has shown repeated effectiveness in cases of nonresectable squamous cell skin cancer with strong EGFR expression, especially in a palliative setting where other treatments may not be effective.12368
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial studies how well cetuximab works in patients with aggressive skin cancer. Cetuximab targets and blocks a protein on cancer cells, stopping them from growing. The goal is to shrink the tumor and make surgery easier.
Research Team
Adam Berger, MD
Principal Investigator
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients with aggressive, locally advanced skin cancer that hasn't spread to distant organs. Participants must be relatively fit (ECOG <=2), not pregnant, and willing to consent to treatment and biopsies. They should have a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks and cannot join if they have serious health issues, certain mineral imbalances, or allergies to cetuximab.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients receive cetuximab intravenously over 60-120 minutes once weekly for 8 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Cetuximab
Cetuximab is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- Recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- K-Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer
- BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic colorectal cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- K-Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead Sponsor
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Collaborator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator