Targeted Drug Therapy for Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancers

Targeted therapy drugs treat cancer by targeting specific features of cancer cells. Each type of targeted therapy works differently, but they all change the way a cancer cell grows, divides, repairs itself, or interacts with other cells.

Drugs that target cancer cells with EGFR changes

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein that helps cells grow. Some types of cancer cells have too much of this protein. Drugs that target EGFR can be used to treat some advanced squamous cell cancers, including those in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses.

Cetuximab

Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a monoclonal antibody, a man-made version of an immune system protein, that targets EGFR. By blocking EGFR, cetuximab can slow or stop cancer cell growth.

Cetuximab  might be used along with radiation therapy for some locally advanced cancers. For cancers that have spread or come back, it might be used either by itself or along with chemotherapy or an immunotherapy drug, depending on the situation.

Cetuximab is given by infusion into a vein (IV), either once a week or every other week.

Possible side effects

Skin problems, such as an acne-like rash on the face and chest during treatment, are the most common side effects of cetuximab. These can sometimes lead to infections. An antibiotic cream or ointment might be needed to help control the skin rash and related infections.

Other side effects might include:

• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

A reaction during the infusion, especially the first infusion, is an uncommon but serious side effect of cetuximab. It could cause serious breathing problems and low blood pressure. You'll be given medicine before the infusion to help prevent this.

Talk to your cancer care team about the side effects to watch for and what can be done to help prevent or treat them.

Other targeted drugs

In some situations, other targeted drugs might be helpful in treating some nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers. For example:

• Some targeted drugs might be useful in treating melanomas in these areas.
• Other types of targeted drugs might be helpful if the cancer cells have certain gene or protein changes.