Successful management of infusion reaction accompanying the start of cetuximab therapy.
BACKGROUND
Cetuximab is a chimeric antibody registered for the therapy of advanced colorectal carcinoma after failure of standard chemotherapy. Rare infusion reactions that resulted in the cessation of therapy have been described after cetuximab administration.


METHODS
We have observed severe infusion reactions accompanied by a loss of consciousness in two patients. The patients were transferred to intensive care unit, and the treatment was continued after administration of corticosteroids under careful monitoring of vital signs without any further serious reactions. In both cases, benefit of therapy with cetuximab could be demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
This experience indicates that cetuximab can be continued in patients who experience infusion reactions. Surveillance in the intensive care unit is mandatory during readministration of the drug.
Melichar
Bohuslav
B
Department of Medicine, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Sokolská 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. melichar@fnhk.cz
Cerman
Jaroslav
J
Malírová
Eva
E
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000068818:Cetuximab; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012811:Sigmoid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D000068818:Cetuximab