Cetuximab is used for which type of cancer?

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is often overexpressed in certain types of cancers. Its primary use is in the treatment of colorectal cancer, particularly in patients with metastatic disease that is associated with EGFR expression. Cetuximab has been shown to improve progression-free survival when used in conjunction with chemotherapy or as monotherapy in cases where other treatment options are not available or have failed.

In the context of the other cancers, while some therapies target similar pathways or receptors, cetuximab is not approved for the treatment of lung cancer, breast cancer, or pancreatic cancer. Instead, these cancers generally use different targeted therapies or chemotherapy regimens tailored to their specific biological characteristics. This specificity in usage helps to avoid unnecessary treatments for other cancer types where cetuximab would not be effective.