title: Successful rechallenge of cetuximab following severe infusion-related reactions: a case report.
abstract: Cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody, is associated with a risk of infusion reactions, similar to other infusional agents. Although avoiding a rechallenge with cetuximab following a severe infusion reaction is preferable, this may not be an option if few other reasonable alternatives exist. We report herein a successful case of cetuximab rechallenge, carried out by extending infusion times and using saline dilution in a patient who had severe infusion reactions twice and who required continuation of treatment. Cetuximab reintroduction with saline dilution and a slower infusion rate in an intensive care setting allowed safe continuation of therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hemato-oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan, China.
authors.forename: Pei-Hung
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Division of Hemato-oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan, China.
authors.forename: Jen-Seng
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Huang
keywords: Cetuximab; colorectal cancer; infusion reaction; rechallenge