C225

C225 goes by the trade name of ErbituxTM and has a generic name of Cetuximab. This is a target cancer drug which comes under the classification of monoclonal antibody as well as a signal transduction inhibitor which binds itself to the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR).

Which types of cancers are treated with this drug?

This drug is useful in treating cancers of the rectum or in other words metastatic colorectal cancer here the cancer has spread beyond the colon or the rectum which is also referred to as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

How is this drug administered?

This drug is infused via intravenous and the amount of the drug that you receive depends upon various factors like your body structure, general health, the stage and type of cancer you are suffering from.

What are the side effects associated with this drug?

There are certain side effects that are visible at the onset of the treatment and throughout the treatment cycle but then these side effects are reversible and there are ways and means to not only prevent these side effects but they can also be minimized.

Common side effects are rash, malaise, fever, decrease in the magnesium level in the blood, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches etc. In rare cases there are complaints of itching, breathing problems, low blood pressure etc.

You need to consult your doctor if any of the following side effects persists for more than a day: swelling of the facial muscles, breathlessness, difficulty in breathing, allergic reactions, etc. Meet your doctor if you have persistent vomiting, nausea in spite of take anti-nausea medications, swelling in the feet or ankles etc. Passing of blood in the stool or urine needs to be taken care of, dehydration, decrease in the quantity of urine etc.

Precautionary methods:

Inform you doctor about all the medications you are presently on even those herbal and vitamin supplements, aspirin should be avoided, do not get yourself vaccine or immunized, pregnancy should be avoided, breast feeding should also be avoided, inform your doctor about any impending pregnancy.

Self help tips:

Increase water intake, follow a good hygiene and have a nutritious diet, avoid crowded place as this could lead to infections, using soft bristle toothbrush will prevent bleeding of the gums, use anti-nausea medications, take laxatives to prevent constipation etc. Getting your blood tests done regularly will help monitor the functioning of the other body organs.

How does C225 help in cancer treatment?

As mentioned above this is a target drug therapy wherein the cancer cells are identified and the drug attacks these cancerous cells without causing any damage to those normal cells that surround these cancer cells. This not only destroys these cancerous cells but then the side effects are greatly minimized.

Target therapy is not a replacement of the traditional cancer treatment but it involves the production of monoclonal antibodies which identifies the cancerous cells and helps destroy them.

C225 is known to block the rapid division of these cancerous cells thus destroying their power to divide or in other words induces apoptosis or cell suicide.