ABSTRACT
Cetuximab, a recombinant chimeric monoclonal antibody, has been successfully used in the treatment of the head and neck and colorectal cancers. We present a review of its mechanism of action, indications, side effects and economic issues, accompanied by a clinical example from our institution.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal/economics , Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacokinetics , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents/economics , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Cell Division/drug effects , Cetuximab , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Drug Approval , Drug Costs/statistics & numerical data , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , ErbB Receptors/drug effects , Humans , Infusions, Intravenous , Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Primary calvarial or intra-osseous meningiomas are uncommon lesions often confused preoperatively with other primary or secondary bone tumors of the skull. We present details of a patient with a primary calvarial meningioma involving the frontal, zygomatic, sphenoid and temporal bones that was radiographically diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia and initially treated conservatively for many years. Progressive vision loss and significant proptosis, with difficulty of eye closure, prompted surgical removal with cranioplasty and a 3D reconstructed prosthetic flap. Histological examination revealed intra-osseous meningioma. The clinical and radiological findings of intra-osseous meningiomas are discussed, together with a review of the literature.
