Intra-arterial infusion of drugs shows promising results in terms of safety and efficacy. Intra-arterial cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody treatment, is currently being tested for its use in head and neck cancers. We present the case of a 45-year-old Asian male who developed an anaphylactoid hypersensitivity reaction, manifesting itself in the form of bronchospasm, tachycardia, and hypotension, during intra-arterial infusion of cetuximab. The symptoms were quickly diagnosed, and the patient was treated accordingly. Despite the safety profile of cetuximab and the decreased risk of systemic effects with intra-arterial infusion versus intravenous infusion, severe hypersensitivity reactions are still a risk in intra-arterial cetuximab infusions. Consequently, proper planning and care must be taken to prophylactically prevent and in the case of a reaction, treat the reaction accordingly. The case presented herein is, to the best of our knowledge, the first recorded moderate-to-severe infusion reaction in a patient receiving intra-arterial cetuximab treatment for head and neck cancer.
Objective To establish a maximum tolerated dose of superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion (SIACI) of Cetuximab after osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with mannitol, and examine safety of the procedure in patients with recurrent malignant glioma. Methods A total of 15 patients with recurrent malignant glioma were included in the current study. The starting dose of Cetuximab was 100 mg/m(2) and dose escalation was done to 250 mg/m(2). All patients were observed for 28 days post-infusion for any side effects. Results There was no dose-limiting toxicity from a single dose of SIACI of Cetuximab up to 250 mg/m(2) after osmotic BBB disruption with mannitol. A tolerable rash was seen in 2 patients, anaphylaxis in 1 patient, isolated seizure in 1 patient, and seizure and cerebral edema in 1 patient. Discussion SIACI of mannitol followed by Cetuximab (up to 250 mg/m(2)) for recurrent malignant glioma is safe and well tolerated. A Phase I/II trial is currently underway to determine the efficacy of SIACI of cetuximab in patients with high-grade glioma.