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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more| .
How we produce our information|
This information is about panitumumab (Vectibix®). This drug is used to treat people with advanced cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body), particularly advanced cancer of the large bowel (colon and rectum).
Panitumumab is one of a group of cancer drugs, known as monoclonal antibodies. It is licensed to treat people with advanced bowel cancer (bowel cancer that has spread to other areas of the body) who have not responded to other chemotherapy| treatments, such as 5FU (fluorouracil)|, irinotecan| or oxaliplatin|.
Monoclonal antibodies can destroy some types of cancer cells, while causing little harm to normal cells. They recognise certain proteins or receptors that are found on the surface of some types of cancer cells. The monoclonal antibody recognises the protein or receptor and 'locks' on to it (like a key in a lock).
There are different types of antibodies that work in different ways. Once the monoclonal antibody has attached to the protein or receptor it can:
Panitumumab belongs to a subgroup of monoclonal antibodies, known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a protein that is naturally present in the body. There are receptors for EGF on the surface of many types of cancer cell. When EGF binds to these receptors, chemical signals are triggered which cause the cells to grow and reproduce.
Panitumumab attaches itself to the EGF receptor, and prevents it from being activated. This stops the internal chemical signals, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells that have the EGFR on their surface. It works in a different way from both chemotherapy| and hormonal therapy|.
Tests may be done to check the level of EGFR present in the tumour; these ill tell if you are likely to benefit from panitumumab. Testing can be done on samples of the cancer cells at the same time as diagnosis of the cancer, or using cells from previous biopsies or surgery.
Panitumumab is a liquid.
Panitumumab is given through a small tube (cannula) inserted into a vein. It may be given in combination with chemotherapy drugs, or alone.
Panitumumab can also be given as a drip (infusion) over one hour, either once a week or once every two weeks.
In clinical trials, people have their panitumumab and chemotherapy given through a fine plastic tube, which is inserted under the skin and into a vein near the collarbone (a central line|), or passed through a vein in their arm (a PICC line|). Your doctor or nurse will explain more about this to you.
Each person's reaction to cancer treatment is unique. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given panitumumab. The drug may be used in combination with chemotherapy, so people will also have side effects from the chemotherapy. The side effects mentioned below are those caused by panitumumab.
We have outlined the most common side effects, but have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. As panitumumab is a new treatment, we do not know all the possible side effects it may cause. If you notice any effects that you think might be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
Skin rash This is the most common side effect of the drug and it affects most people. It occurs after 2–3 weeks of treatment, usually in the form of a rash, rather like acne, which appears on the face and the upper part of the body. It often gradually fades over the following weeks, even if your treatment with panitumumab continues.
Diarrhoea Diarrhoea| can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness This is also known as fatigue|. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) There are very effective antisickness drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, sickness (nausea) and vomiting|. If you experience this, it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and can last for up to a few days. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs, which may be more effective.
Breathing problems or a cough Let your doctors know straight away if you develop any breathing problems or become breathless while you are on this treatment. It's important to let your doctors know if you have had any breathing problems in the past, before you started the treatment.
Sore mouth Your mouth may become sore|, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly can help. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have mouth problems. They may prescribe mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
Risk of blood clots Panitumumab may increase your risk of developing a blood clot in your lung. Let your doctor know straight away if you notice any breathlessness or chest pain (possible signs of a clot in the lung).
Headaches You may experience headaches while you are being treated with Panitumumab.
Eye problems If you notice any change to your vision, or pain or redness of your eyes, let your doctor know.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For further references, please see the general bibliography|.
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