From the Research
Ninotuzumab (nimotuzumab) is recommended for cancer treatment, specifically for head and neck cancers, at a dose of 200 mg weekly during radiation therapy, with a favorable safety profile and efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation. The medication is an EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody that works by blocking epidermal growth factor receptors on cancer cells, inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation 1.
Key Points
- Nimotuzumab is typically administered at a dose of 200-400 mg intravenously every 1-2 weeks for various cancer types, though specific regimens vary by cancer type and treatment protocol.
- For head and neck cancers, it's often given at 200 mg weekly during radiation therapy, while for gliomas, 200 mg every 1-2 weeks is common.
- The medication has a favorable safety profile compared to other EGFR inhibitors, with fewer skin toxicities and hypersensitivity reactions 2.
- Treatment duration depends on the patient's response and disease progression, typically continuing until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
- Nimotuzumab has been shown to induce NK cell activation, cytotoxicity, dendritic cell maturation, and expansion of EGFR-specific T cells in head and neck cancer patients 3.
Administration and Monitoring
- The medication is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30-60 minutes under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, patients should undergo baseline evaluations including EGFR expression testing when possible, and regular monitoring during treatment is essential to assess response and manage potential side effects.
- Nimotuzumab has been granted approval for use in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN), glioma, and nasopharyngeal cancer in different countries 4.
Recent Studies
- A recent study published in 2020 demonstrated the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in patients with inoperable head and neck tumors, with improved progression-free survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional tumor control 1.
- Another study published in 2021 highlighted the benefits of combining nimotuzumab with induction chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma 2.