Targeted Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Targeted therapy can be used to treat nasopharyngeal cancers by destroying cancer cells or slowing their growth.

Targeted therapy is the use of medicines that target, or are directed at, proteins on cancer cells that help them grow, spread, and live longer. The side effects from these medicines are different from chemotherapy and sometimes less severe.

Targeting nasopharyngeal cancer cells with EGFR changes

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein found on the surface of certain cancer cells that helps those cells grow and divide. Nasopharyngeal cancer cells sometimes have higher than normal amounts of EGFR. Blocking this protein can help slow or stop cancer cell growth.

Cetuximab (Erbitux)

Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a drug that targets EGFR and can be used to treat some nasopharyngeal cancers.

This drug is a monoclonal antibody, which is a human-made version of an immune system protein. By blocking EGFR, cetuximab can help slow or stop cancer cell growth.

Cetuximab can be given along with the chemo drug carboplatin in cases where the cancer cannot be surgically removed, has spread, or has come back after initial treatment.

Cetuximab is given by IV infusion, either once a week or every other week.

Possible side effects of targeted therapy

Common side effects of cetuximab include:

• Skin problems, such as an itchy, acne-like rash on the face and chest, which can lead to infections
• Headache
• Tiredness and weakness
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

An allergic reaction during the first infusion is a rare but serious side effect of cetuximab. This could cause breathing problems and low blood pressure. You will be given medicine before treatment to help prevent this.