Assessment and Prediction of Cetuximab-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions Using Cetuximab Specific IgE Detection

1. Background Cetuximab (trade name Erbitux) is a murine-human chimeric monoclonal antibody to human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This drug has been used as a treatment for colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. It is known that allergic reactions can occur in more than 5% of the patients, although the side effects are relatively low compared with other chemotherapeutic agents. It is known that cetuximab can induce hypersensitivity even at the first administration, unlike other anticancer drugs. In this study, we aimed to establish a model to predict patients with hypersensitivity reaction before administration of cetuximab and to provide safe chemotherapy.
2. Recruitment method and consent procedure The study is designed for analysis patients scheduled for administration of cetuximab for the first time. Patients matching the selection and exclusion criteria with voluntary agreement to the study will be enrolled. Enrolled patients will be tested for skin prick test and serum sIgE before cetuximab administration.