<p>Cetuximab is a recombinant human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody. It binds specifically to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thus competitively inhibiting the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands. This blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, thus inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis and decreases matrix metalloproteinase and vascular EGF production.</p>