Biological therapies for secondary liver cancer

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies| are drugs that recognise certain proteins (called receptors) on the surface of cancer cells. They lock onto the receptor, and can destroy cancer cells in different ways depending on the drug. Some stop new blood vessels forming, while others may trigger the body’s immune system to attack the cancer cell.

Some cancers which spread to the liver can be treated with monoclonal antibodies.

Trastuzumab (Herceptin®)| can be used to treat breast cancer that has spread to the liver and cetuximab (Erbitux®)| can be used in combination with chemotherapy| to treat bowel cancer that has spread to the liver.

Other monoclonoal antibodies, such as bevacizumab (Avastin®),| may sometimes be used to treat secondary liver cancer that has spread from the bowel. However bevacizumab is not currently approved by NICE| or the SMC (Scottish Medicines Consortium)|. These are government bodies which give guidance to doctors about whether drugs should be used on the NHS and this means that it’s not in general use but may be offered as part of a trial| .

Researchers are currently looking to see if a newer monoclonal antibody called panitumumab (Vectibix®)| may help to treat cancer that has spread from the bowel.

Cancer growth inhibitors

In order to grow and divide, cancer cells ‘communicate’ with each other using chemical signals. Cancer growth inhibitors| interfere with this process and so affect the cancer’s ability to develop.

Research is being carried out to see if cancer growth inhibitors, such as gefitinib (Iressa®),| can help to treat cancer that has spread from the bowel. They may be offered as part of a research trial.