MM study of Cetuximab (Erbitux)

Blood cancer experts at the University of Cincinnati are trying to determine whether suppressing a certain growth protein can slow the progression of multiple myeloma.

Led by Dr. Rami Komrokji, the study will test the effectiveness of cetuximab (Erbitux), a targeted (monoclonal) antibody that blocks a protein on the cell surface called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Antibodies are immune-system proteins that seek out and destroy specific bacteria and viruses.

By blocking EGFR, which helps cancer cells grow and multiply in the blood, researchers believe they may be able to slow the progression of multiple myeloma.

"This drug is different, because it attacks the ability of the cells to grow and multiply, versus killing an existing tumor," Komrokji said. "If we can slow the tumor growth, we can reduce pain and suffering associated with the disease, improving the patients' quality of life."

This is the first time cetuximab -- which is approved by the FDA to treat advanced colon cancer -- has been studied in the treatment of multiple myeloma, according to UC.

Komrokji will test the drug on about 50 patients who have previously received at least one treatment -- chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant or radiotherapy -- but show indications of disease progression.

The trial is sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone.

Source: Cincinnati Business Courier