Panitumumab
Panitumumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). It is primarily used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer with wild-type RAS tumors. The medication works by blocking EGFR signaling, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and survival.
Panitumumab is an EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer with wild-type RAS.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FE02
- RxNorm
- 263034
- Generic
- Panitumumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Vectibix
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs and consider risks versus benefits
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery due to potential effects on newborn
monitor neonate for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot applicable
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 months after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution and monitor for adverse reactions
monitor renal function and for skin toxicities
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatricnot established
not approved for use in pediatric patients
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno dose adjustment required based on pharmacokinetics
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment
monitor renal function during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentno dose adjustment required
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment including bilirubin elevation
monitor liver function tests regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Panitumumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Panitumumab (Vectibix)
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for Panitumumab
Mechanism of action
Binds to EGFR to block ligand-induced receptor activation
Panitumumab is indicated for the treatment of patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer, either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. It is typically used in patients who have progressed on or after fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy regimens.
Panitumumab is a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of EGFR. By binding to EGFR, it prevents activation by endogenous ligands (such as EGF and TGF-alpha), blocking receptor dimerization and subsequent intracellular signaling cascades. This inhibition of the RAS/RAF/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways results in reduced cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inhibited tumor invasion/metastasis.
Common side effects include dermatologic toxicities such as acneiform rash, dry skin, and pruritus (occurring in over 80% of patients), which correlate with treatment efficacy. Hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions may occur. Electrolyte abnormalities, particularly hypomagnesemia, require monitoring. Panitumumab is contraindicated in patients with wild-type RAS tumors and requires KRAS/RAS testing prior to treatment initiation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy