title: Phase II study of nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the EGFR. Based on phase I data, the recommended dose has been established at 200 mg weekly. This study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab monotherapy in patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pts who failed first line standard chemotherapy for advanced disease and had at least one measurable lesion were eligible for the study. Nimotuzumab was given intravenously at 200 mg once weekly for 6 weeks (wks). Follow up by CT scan was performed after 8 weeks. Pts continued receiving treatment 3-weekly until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Endpoints included tumor response (RECIST), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 56 pts were enrolled for treatment (ECOG status of 1 [n = 41] or 0 [n = 15]), the majority (47 pts) had metastatic disease. Nearly half of the pts [n = 26] received ≥2 regimens. Pts evaluable for response: n = 36; CR: 0; PR: 0; SD: 6 pts. Median PFS for pts with SD was 19.2 weeks, for all pts 6.7 weeks (95% CI: 6.43-7.14 weeks). PFS after 1 year was 10.3% with a median overall survival of 18.1 weeks. Treatment-related adverse events were generally mild including rash grade 1 in 5 pts. After a single dose of 200 mg, the t(1/2) was calculated to 45 h.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data confirm that nimotuzumab is safe and very well tolerated. To improve efficacy, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with Gem has been initiated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Bochum, Marienhospital Herne, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625, Herne, Germany. dirk.strumberg@marienhospital-herne.de
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Strumberg
authors.forename: Beate
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schultheis
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Scheulen
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hilger
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krauss
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marschner
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lordick
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bach
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reuter
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Edler
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mross
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C501466:nimotuzumab; D066246:ErbB Receptors