Abstract
Purpose: :
Cetuximab is a chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody that binds competitively and with high affinity to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Binding of the antibody to the EGFR prevents stimulation of the receptor by endogenous ligands and results in inhibition of cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and reduced angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and toxicity of intravitreal injection of cetuximab in the rabbit model.
Methods: :
Ten New Zealand albino rabbits were used for this study. 0.2 mg in 0.1 mL of cetuximab was injected into one eye of each rabbit and a physiological solution (control) was injected into the other. Indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed before and after injection. Animals were sacrificed seven days later and aqueous humor samples were obtained in order to determine cellularity and proteins. Eyes were enucleated for histologic evaluation of retinal toxicity.
Results: :
None of the tests demonstrated signs of toxicity, and no significant differences between cetuximab-treated eyes and control eyes were observed.
Conclusions: :
Intravitreal injection of cetuximab at a concentration of 0.2 mg/0.1 mL is non-toxic in rabbit eyes.
Keywords: drug toxicity/drug effects