Health Canada's Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate have approved Erbitux (Cetuximab) injection as a treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Erbitux has been approved for use in combination with irinotecan in the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) - expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer who are refractory to other irinotecan-based chemotherapy, and as single agent therapy for patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based chemotherapy, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada and ImClone Systems Incorporated announced here.

Erbitux targets metastatic colorectal cancer cells expressing epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) on their surface. In Canada, an estimated 19,100 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. Half of these patients have metastatic disease, or cancer that has spread to other organs, at the time of diagnosis. EGFR is expressed in over 80 per cent of colorectal cancer tumours.

"Erbitux is a promising new option for patients in whom irinotecan-based chemotherapy is no longer effective or tolerated," Doctor Derek Jonker, of the Regional Cancer Centre, in Ottawa said adding, "Clinical studies indicate that non-chemotherapeutic molecular drugs are effective in treating metastatic colorectal cancer."