title: Nimotuzumab in pediatric glioma.
abstract: High-grade gliomas and diffuse brainstem gliomas carry a very poor prognosis despite current therapies, and account together for the largest number of deaths in children with brain tumors. Many of these tumors have been found to overexpress the EGF receptor (EGFR). Nimotuzumab (h-R3) is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the EGFR, and consequently inhibits tyrosine kinase activation. In vitro and in vivo studies have supported the antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic and radiosensitizing activities of nimotuzumab. Emerging trials suggest a promising role for nimotuzumab as a therapeutic agent in patients with high-grade gliomas. This review attempts to provide a context for the evolving interest and evidence for nimotuzumab in pediatric glioma.
authors.affiliation: The Hospital for Sick Children, Division for Haematology/Oncology, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bouffet
authors.forename: Ute
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bartels
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005910:Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C501466:nimotuzumab; D066246:ErbB Receptors