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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|.
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This information is about panitumumab (Vectibix®), which may be used to treat people with cancer of the large bowel| (colon and rectum) that has spread to other parts of the body. It may also be used to treat other types of cancer| as part of a research trial|.
Panitumumab belongs to a group of cancer drugs known as monoclonal antibodies|.
Monoclonal antibodies recognise and lock on to specific proteins (receptors) on the surface of cancer cells. This helps the body's immune system recognise the cancer cells and destroy them. Monoclonal antibodies are sometimes called targeted therapies because they are designed to target cancer cells.
Some types of cancers have receptors on their surface called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). When proteins called growth factors that are made naturally in the body attach to these receptors it triggers the cancer to grow.
Panitumumab locks on to epidermal growth factor receptors. This blocks growth factors from stimulating the cancer to grow.
Panitumumab is most likely to work for cancers with large numbers of EGFRs on their surfaces. Before it's used to treat bowel cancer, the bowel cancer cells are tested for changes (mutations) in a gene called KRAS. This is because panitumumab doesn’t work for bowel cancers with KRAS mutations. Testing can be done on samples of the cancer cells at the same time as the cancer is diagnosed or by using cells from previous biopsies or surgery.
Panitumumab is licensed to treat people with advanced bowel cancer (bowel cancer that has spread to other areas of the body) that has not responded to other chemotherapy| treatments, such as 5FU (fluorouracil|), irinotecan| or oxaliplatin|.
Although panitumumab is licensed and can be prescribed in the UK, it's currently being assessed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE|) for use in the NHS England and Wales. NICE currently gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC|), gives advice on which new drugs or treatments should be available on the NHS in Scotland. The SMC has not recommended that panitumumab should be available to treat people with advanced bowel cancer in NHS Scotland.
As a result panitumumab may not be widely available on the NHS. We have a section with information about what you can do if a treatment isn't available|.
Panitumumab is a colourless liquid.
Panitumumab is given as a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion). The infusion usually takes about 60 minutes and is given once every two weeks.
Each person’s reaction to cancer treatment is different. Some people have very few side effects while others may experience more. If you notice any effects that aren't listed here, please discuss them with your doctor.
The side effects of panitumumab are generally mild, and some of these can be reduced with medicines. Side effects of panitumumab fall into two groups:
These are uncommon and affect fewer than 5 in 100 people having an infusion. If a reaction occurs it is usually mild but rarely can be more severe. You may be given drugs before the infusion to reduce the likelihood of you having a reaction.
If you have a reaction this can usually be treated by slowing or stopping the drip until you feel better. Any future infusions will then also be given at a slower rate.
You’ll be monitored closely during the infusion but tell your nurse or doctor if you feel unwell or have any of the following symptoms:
Rarely, an infusion-related reaction can happen a few hours after treatment. If you develop these symptoms or feel unwell after you get home, contact the hospital straight away for advice.
The most common side effect of panitumumab is an acne-like rash that mainly affects the head, chest and back. This usually begins during the first 2–3 weeks of treatment and goes away within a few weeks once treatment ends.
Your skin may also become dry and itchy or feel tender and peel. Some people find the nails on their hands or feet become red, sore and brittle.
Taking the following steps may help to reduce the effects on your skin but can’t prevent them altogether:
Let your doctor know as soon as possible if you develop skin or nail changes. They can prescribe treatment to help. If skin problems are severe the length of time between treatments may be extended or the dose may be lowered.
Your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting|. If the sickness isn't controlled, or if it continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
This can usually be controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it's severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea|.
Tiredness |may be helped by balancing periods of rest with some gentle exercise such as walking.
These occur less commonly than skin changes, but sometimes develop after three months or more. Your eyelashes may grow longer and more curly than usual. Men may notice they have less beard growth. You may notice your head and body hair is finer, curlier or more brittle. A few people have hair loss|, if this happens it usually develops gradually over several months. These changes are usually temporary and gradually improve once treatment is over.
This is more likely if you have an existing lung problem. Let your doctor know if you notice any increase in breathlessness|.
Your mouth may become sore| and you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as they can prescribe mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear mouth infections.
You may experience headaches while you are being treated with panitumumab.
If you notice any change to your vision, or if your eyes become sore, red or itchy, let your doctor know. They can prescribe eyedrops to help.
It's important to let your doctor know straight away if you feel unwell or have any severe side effects, even if they're not mentioned above.
It's not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while having panitumumab, as it may harm the developing baby. It’s important to use effective contraception while having this drug, and for at least six months afterwards. You can discuss this with your doctor.
It’s not known whether biological therapies can be present in semen or vaginal fluids. To protect your partner it’s safest to either avoid sex or use a barrier form of contraception for about 48 hours after treatment.
Panitumumab can temporarily affect a woman's menstrual cycle (periods) but it's not yet known how panitumumab may affect fertility|. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.