Any idea how to determine EGFR from blood test results?

[Guest guest]

regarding Erbitux and where it states it is suitable for patients with high

level of EGFR

(epidermal growth factor receptors)

I wondered if anyone knew how that would be catagorised in blood tests results?

Ive a huge sheet of results this time but nothing clearly indicating EGFR, does

it come

under another heading?

in spain

> Cetuximab (Erbitux®)

>

>

> Monoclonal antibodies

> Monoclonal antibodies are used to try to destroy some types of cancer cells

> while causing little harm to normal cells. They are designed to recognize

> certain proteins (receptors) that are found on the surface of particular

cancer

> cells.

> Such receptors are known as epidermal growth factor receptors or EGFR. When

> growth factors (such as transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth

> factor) bind to the receptor, the cancer cell is stimulated to grow, divide

> and spread.

>

>

> How Erbitux works

> Erbitux attaches itself to the EGF receptor inside the cell and prevents the

> receptor from being activated. This stops the cells from dividing. It

> therefore has the potential to stop the cancer cells from growing. It works

in a

> different way from both chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

> Erbitux may also make the cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.

> Tests may be done to find the level of EGFR in the body before Erbitux is

> given. This can help the doctors to know whether you are likely to benefit

from

> this treatment. Testing can be done at the same time as diagnosis of the

> cancer, or samples of cancer cells from previous biopsies or surgery may be

> used.

>

>

> What it looks like

> Erbitux is a colorless liquid.

>

>

> How it is given

> Erbitux is given by a drip into the vein (intravenously) through a fine tube

> () inserted into a vein. The first dose is given slowly, usually over two

> hours. After this, doses are given weekly and this normally takes about an

> hour. The first dose is usually larger than the weekly maintenance

treatments.

> You may be given other medicines before Erbitux to lessen the side effects

> during treatment.

>

>

> Possible side effects

> Each person's reaction to a cancer drug is unique. Some people have very few

> side effects, while others may experience more. If you do notice any effects

> which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed here,

> please discuss these with your doctor.

> The side effects of Erbitux are generally mild and some of these can be

> reduced with medicines. As it is a new drug it is too early to know about all

the

> possible side effects. Erbitux does not increase the side effects of

> irinotecan.

> Skin changes Mild skin rashes are very common. They begin during the first

> two weeks of treatment and usually go away completely when the treatment

> stops. Some people have more severe skin changes, which can include reddening

of

> the skin and red pimples and spots on the face. The skin of the face may also

> become flaky and scaly. Some people have dry skin eczema on their fingertips,

> elbows and extremities, which is sore and itchy. If you have any of these

> skin changes let your doctor know straight away. If you have very severe skin

> problems the length of time between the treatments may be extended or the

dose

> may be lowered.

> Treatment can be prescribed by your doctor to reduce the rash. To help

> reduce the reddening it is best to avoid foods that make the skin go red,

such as

> chillies and alcohol.

> To help reduce the dry skin eczema it is helpful to avoid things that make

> your skin dry, such as too much central heating, and soap. Your doctor can

> prescribe creams to moisturize your skin.

> To reduce scaly or flaky skin it is helpful to moisturize the skin and also

> avoid things that make you go red.

> Tiredness (fatigue) and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to

> allow yourself plenty of time to rest. CancerBACUP has a section on coping

with

> fatigue.

> Nausea (feeling sick) and less commonly vomiting. There are now very

> effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce this effect. If the

> sickness is not controlled or continues tell your doctor, who can prescribe

other

> anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. CancerBACUP has information

> on managing nausea and vomiting.

> Diarrhea. This can usually be controlled with medicine but tell your doctor

> if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if

> you do have diarrhea.

> Fever may occur. If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), contact

your

> doctor or the hospital straight away.

>

>

>

> Less common side effects

> Allergic reactions Signs of a reaction include skin rashes and itching; a

> feeling of swelling in the tongue or throat; irritation of the nasal

passages;

> wheezing; a cough; and breathlessness. You will be monitored closely during

> your treatment, but tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these

> symptoms. To reduce the chance of developing an allergic reaction, certain

drugs

> (antihistamines) can be given before the infusion. The drip can also be slowed

> down or stopped until the reaction is over.

> Headaches If you have headaches, let your doctor know.

> Sore mouth Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during

> this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly

> and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this

> happening. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems. Special

mouthwashes

> and medicines can be prescribed to prevent or clear any mouth infection.

> Constipation Your doctor can prescribe laxatives if constipation occurs.

> Lowered resistance to infection Erbitux can reduce the production of white

> blood cells †" making you more prone to infection. This is rare if Erbitux

is

> given on its own.

> Contact your doctor or the hospital right away if:

> your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F)

> you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature)

> Anemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with Erbitux

> you may become anemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your

> doctor know if you feel tired or breathless or are very pale.

> Tiredness and weakness While having treatment with Erbitux, some people feel

> weak and tired, and as though they have no strength. This gradually

> disappears once the treatment is finished.

> Aching or pain in the muscles or bones This can usually be controlled with

> mild painkillers, which your doctor can prescribe.

> Your liver may be temporarily affected Erbitux may cause changes in the way

> that your liver works, though your liver will returns to normal when the

> treatment is finished. This temporary change is very unlikely to cause you

any

> harm, but your doctor will monitor this carefully. Samples of your blood will

> be taken from time to time to check your liver function.