AMOUNT OF ERBITUX USED IN THE HOSPITAL “CIVICO - DI CRISTINA - BENFRATELLI”, PALERMO

Erbitux (Cetuximab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- expressing, KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer and without KRAS mutations (wild type). Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal IgG1 antibody directed against the EGFR. It blocks binding of endogenous EGFR ligands resulting in inhibition of the function of the receptor and induces the internalization of EGFR, which can lead to down-regulation of EGFR. Erbitux may be administered via a gravity drip, an infusion pump or a syringe pump. The first administration should be administered in 120 minutes and subsequent over 60 minutes. Precautions:It is stored at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Prior to the first infusion, patients must receive premedication (antihistamine and a corticosteroid) at least 1 hour before administration of cetuximab. Due to physico-chemical incompatibility, must not be mixed with other medicines. At the Hospital ARNAS “Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli” of Palermo were dispensed in the year 2013 130182 mg, in the 2014 147125 mg, in the 2015 117060 mg and in the 2016 (until November) 71964 mg. The highest consumption has had in the year 2014. Following the discovery of RAS subgroups, it is seen that Erbitux works best on K-RAS subgroup, then, over the years, the SOC has varied according to the state determination mutated or non-mutated K-RAS gene. From 2015, with the marketing of Panitumumab for under K-RAS Group and the use of Bevacizumab for N-RAS, the use of Erbitux it has in fact greatly reduced.