Panitumumab

Comments:
NICE is unable to recommend the use in the NHS of panitumumab in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer because no evidence submission was received from the manufacturer or sponsor of the technology.

This appraisal relates to the treatment of wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer for first-line treatment in combination with FOLFOX, and for second-line treatment in combination with FOLFIRI for patients who have received first-line fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (excluding irinotecan).

Technology appraisals, TA240 – Issued: December 2011

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Panitumumab is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe or life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to this medicine
* Serious infusion-related reactions are unpredictable and can occur suddenly. Panitumumab should be permanently discontinued if a severe or life-threatening reaction occurs
* In patients with a mild or moderate infusion-related reaction, the infusion rate should be reduced for the duration of the infusion; it is recommended to maintain this lower infusion rate in all subsequent infusions
* Hypersensitivity reactions occurring more than 24 hours after infusion have also been reported. Patients should be warned of a possible late-onset reaction and instructed to contact their physician if symptoms of hypersensitivity occur.

MHRA Drug Safety Update Volume 3 Issue 10 May 2010