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01-04-2021 | Pharmacokinetics | Original Article

Correlations between serum cetuximab and EGFR-related markers, and skin disorders in head and neck cancer patients

Authors: Kaito Shibata, Takafumi Naito, Satoshi Hirakawa, Koji Suzuki, Seiji Hosokawa, Hiroyuki Mineta, Junichi Kawakami

Published in: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Cetuximab inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in cancer and skin cells, thereby inducing anti-cancer effects and skin disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationships between serum cetuximab and EGFR-related markers, and adverse effects in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods

Thirty-four head and neck cancer patients receiving weekly intravenous cetuximab were enrolled. Serum cetuximab levels were determined just before dosing. Blood samples for determination of serum EGFR-related markers including soluble epidermal growth factor receptor (sEGFR) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were obtained. The severities of skin disorders, their medications, and hypomagnesemia treatment were also assessed.

Results

Serum levels of cetuximab and sEGFR were negatively and positively correlated with that of IL-6, respectively. The serum cetuximab level was twofold higher in the patients with a grade 2–3 skin rash than with a grade 0–1 rash. The serum cetuximab cutoff value related to severe skin rash was 71 μg/mL (sensitivity, 59%; and specificity, 94%). The use of a strong topical corticosteroid for skin rash was also associated with a higher serum cetuximab level. Serum levels of sEGFR and IL-6 had no correlations with the skin disorder severities or their medications. Hypomagnesemia treatment using intravenous magnesium sulfate was not related to serum cetuximab and EGFR-related markers.

Conclusions

Head and neck cancer patients with a higher serum IL-6 level tended to have a lower serum cetuximab level. Serum cetuximab had positive correlations to skin rash severity and its medication in the study population.

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Title: Correlations between serum cetuximab and EGFR-related markers, and skin disorders in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Kaito Shibata
Takafumi Naito
Satoshi Hirakawa
Koji Suzuki
Seiji Hosokawa
Hiroyuki Mineta
Junichi Kawakami
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Pharmacokinetics
Paronychia
Cetuximab
Published in: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0344-5704
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0843
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-020-04228-4

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