Recent results in cancer research. Fortschritte der Krebsforschung. Progrès dans les recherches sur le cancer
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Recent Results Cancer Res. · Jan 2007
ReviewCetuximab: appraisal of a novel drug against colorectal cancer.
Cetuximab (C225, Erbitux, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) is a human-mouse chimeric therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) that competitively binds to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR). It has been developed out of the murine antibody M225 "from bench to bedside" in less than two decades, and is the anti-EGFR mAb furthest ahead in clinical evaluation. In Europe, cetuximab is approved for the treatment of patients with EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of treatment with irinotecan since 2004, and for the treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck concomitant to radiotherapy since 2006. We here summarize the current role of cetuximab in the treatment of colorectal cancer, give an overview on the ongoing studies, address the most important controversies, and point out the chances and challenges for the future use of cetuximab in colorectal cancer and other human malignancies.
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Recent Results Cancer Res. · Jan 2007
ReviewTechnology for the delivery of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a survey of techniques.
Peritoneal metastases are common sequelae of gastrointestinal malignancy. The treatment of peritoneal metastases through use of aggressive surgical cytoreduction including peritonectomy coupled with HIPEC has now been reported in several large single-institution series. The available literature suggests that in experienced hands and with appropriate patient selection cytoreduction and HIPEC can be an effective therapy, particularly when all macroscopic tumor deposits are removed. ⋯ Such controlled studies are critical to defining the best techniques for HIPEC administration and the appropriate role for this treatment regimen in patients with peritoneal metastases. The development of a program in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC requires a comprehensive patient care team led by appropriately trained surgeons. Such teams are best suited to provide the highest-quality care to patients with peritoneal surface malignancy.
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Recent Results Cancer Res. · Jan 2007
ReviewAntibody therapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: the role of rituximab, 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, and alemtuzumab.
Targeting cancer cells with monoclonal antibodies has become an indispensable part of modern treatment against hematologic malignancies. The excitement of the first successful experimental results could be confirmed by large multicenter trials, thus paving the way for new approaches in first-line, relapse, and maintenance therapy. Three antibodies--rituximab, 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, and alemtuzumab--are in clinical use worldwide and are reviewed in this chapter with a focus on practical information and fundamental principles of antibody-based therapy.