Background: In COVID-19, EGFR production is upregulated in the alveolar epithelial cells. EGFR overexpression further activates STAT-3 and increases lung pathology. The EGFR pathway is also one of the major nodes in pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: Nimotuzumab, a humanized anti-EGFR antibody, was used to treat three patients with severe or moderate COVID-19. The antibody was administered in combination with other drugs included in the national COVID-19 protocol. Results: Nimotuzumab was well tolerated. IL-6 decreased from the first antibody infusion. Clinical symptoms significantly improved after nimotuzumab administration, and the CT scans at discharge showed major resolution of the lung lesions and no signs of fibrosis. Conclusion: Safe anti-EGFR antibodies like nimotuzumab may modulate COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation and prevent fibrosis. Clinical Trial Registration: RPCEC00000369 (RPCEC rpcec.sld.cu).
Diffuse intrinsic brainstem gliomas have a bad prognosis, and short-term survival time. Radiotherapy has been the principal treatment, and chemotherapy has not improved outcome. The anti –EGFR monoclonal antibody Nimotuzumab combined with Radiotherapy was tested in a series of 41 children and adolescents with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) included between January 2008 and December 2015 and a follow-up till January 2021.They were irradiated in the Instituto Nacional de Oncologia y Radiobiologia, Havana, Cuba with a median dose of 54 Gy. Nimotuzumab was applied at a dose of 150 mg/m2, weekly during the period of irradiation, then every 2 weeks by 8 doses, and them monthly for 1,2 or more years. A response was observed in 87.8% of patients. Prolonged use of Nimotuzumab was feasible and well tolerated. Median age at diagnosis was 7 years old, median survival was 18.8 months. There were minor toxicities, only Grade I or II. Survival rate at 5 years was 34.1%, stablished till years or more. Two relapsing patients were re-irradiated. The combination of irradiation and Nimotuzumab is an option to increase survival in DIPG.
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