necitumumab

Definition of necitumumab

necitumumab (NEH-sih-TOO-moo-mab): A drug used with gemcitabine and cisplatin to treat squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used in patients whose cancer has not been treated with other anticancer therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Necitumumab binds to a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found on some types of cancer cells. Blocking this protein may help keep cancer cells from growing. Necitumumab is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Portrazza.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms