Panitumumab

Abstract

Panitumumab is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after failure of other cytotoxic drugs. Panitumumab is the first fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab a half-human, half-murine antibody is also known for its EGFR blocking effects. Erlotinib is another tumour-suppressing drug that acts at the tyrosine kinase of the EGFR and preventing autophosphorylation (Figure). The EGFR plays an important role in all kinds of tumours and is one of the most important targets for growth-promoting hormones.