Edrecolomab Explained

Edrecolomab (MAb17-1A, trade name Panorex) is a mouse-derived monoclonal antibody targeting the cell-surface glycoprotein EpCAM (17-1A), which is expressed on epithelial tissues and on various carcinomas.

Preliminary studies had shown promise of a possible use in patients with stage III colorectal carcinoma (with metastasis to the lymph nodes).^{[1] [2]} No effect has been demonstrated for stage II (locally advanced cancer without spread to the lymph nodes) colon cancer.^[3]

Edrecolomab was well tolerated in these studies and as such research has now concentrated on whether it can be of any use in other forms of cancer.

Notes and References

1. Riethmüller G, Schneider-Gädicke E, Schlimok G, Schmiegel W, Raab R, Höffken K, Gruber R, Pichlmaier H, Hirche H, Pichlmayr R . 6 . Randomised trial of monoclonal antibody for adjuvant therapy of resected Dukes' C colorectal carcinoma. German Cancer Aid 17-1A Study Group . Lancet . 343 . 8907 . 1177–83 . May 1994 . 7909866 . 10.1016/s0140-6736(94)92398-1 . 45574458 .
2. Punt CJ, Nagy A, Douillard JY, Figer A, Skovsgaard T, Monson J, Barone C, Fountzilas G, Riess H, Moylan E, Jones D, Dethling J, Colman J, Coward L, MacGregor S . 6 . Edrecolomab alone or in combination with fluorouracil and folinic acid in the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer: a randomised study . Lancet . 360 . 9334 . 671–7 . August 2002 . 12241873 . 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)09836-7 . 42391189 .
3. Colacchio TA, Niedzwiecki D, Compton C, Warren R, Benson AI, Goldberg R, Kerr D, Fields A, Hollis D, Mayer R . Phase III trial of adjuvant immunotherapy with MOAb 17–1A following resection for stage II adenocarcinoma of the colon (CALGB 9581) . Journal of Clinical Oncology . July 2004 . 22 . 14_suppl . 3522 . 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.3522 .