A targeted antibody drip for some types of lung cancer
Amivantamab
A targeted antibody given by drip for certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR or MET changes.
What is Amivantamab?
Amivantamab is a specialist targeted cancer medicine used to treat some types of non-small-cell lung cancer that have particular changes in the EGFR or MET proteins. It is a bispecific antibody, meaning it grabs hold of two targets at once, and it is given as a drip into a vein in hospital. The most important risks are reactions during the infusion, especially with the first dose, severe skin and rash problems, sensitivity to sunlight, and occasionally serious lung inflammation. It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Amivantamab — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Amivantamab is a targeted cancer medicine called a bispecific antibody, designed to attach to two proteins involved in cancer growth, EGFR and MET, at the same time. It is used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer that have specific changes in these proteins, found by testing the cancer. It is given as a drip (infusion) into a vein in a hospital or specialist day unit, rather than taken by mouth, and is prescribed and supervised by a cancer specialist team.
How it works
Some lung cancers grow because the EGFR or MET proteins drive constant growth signals. Amivantamab attaches to both of these proteins, blocking their signals and also flagging the cancer cells so the body's immune system can help attack them. By hitting two targets at once, it aims to control cancers that rely on either or both of these signals. It is given into a vein so it can reach the cancer through the bloodstream, and the first dose is given carefully because reactions are most likely then.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist cancer medicine used in the UK to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer, given as a drip into a vein.
Practical use
How to take Amivantamab
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital, so attend all your appointments as scheduled.
- Expect to be watched closely during infusions, especially the first one, and tell staff straight away if you feel unwell.
- Look after your skin with moisturisers, protect yourself from the sun and cover up, as skin can become very sun-sensitive.
- Report any new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever to your team promptly.
- Use reliable contraception as advised, and tell your team about all other medicines you take.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Amivantamab
Advantages
- A targeted antibody that acts on two cancer-related proteins (EGFR and MET) at once.
- An option for lung cancers with specific EGFR or MET changes confirmed by testing.
- Given under close hospital supervision so reactions can be managed quickly.
Disadvantages
- Often causes reactions during the infusion, especially with the first dose.
- Commonly causes skin and rash problems, which can be severe, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
- Given by drip in hospital and can occasionally cause serious lung inflammation.
Practical use
Good to know
The first dose of amivantamab is the most important to be aware of, because reactions during the infusion are common then, with symptoms such as chills, breathlessness, flushing or feeling faint; the team gives medicines beforehand, slows or pauses the drip if needed, and watches you closely. Skin and rash problems are very common and can be severe, often affecting the face, and good skin care plus sun protection helps. The medicine can make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so covering up and using sun protection is important. A less common but serious risk is inflammation of the lungs, so report new or worsening breathlessness or cough. It can harm an unborn baby, so effective contraception is important during treatment.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to amivantamab should not have it.
- It is not suitable in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby; effective contraception is needed.
- It is used with caution in people with existing lung problems, under specialist guidance.
Monitoring
- Close watching during infusions, particularly the first dose, for reactions.
- Checking the skin and managing rash, and reminding about sun protection.
- Watching for signs of lung inflammation and reviewing blood tests and how the cancer responds.
Side effects
- Reactions during the infusion, such as chills, breathlessness, flushing or feeling faint, mostly with the first dose.
- Skin rash and nail or mouth problems, which can be severe, and greater sensitivity to sunlight.
- Swelling, tiredness, nausea and changes in blood counts or blood tests.
- Less commonly but seriously, inflammation of the lungs, causing breathlessness and cough.
Key interactions
- It has few well-established routine medicine interactions, but always share a full medicines list with your team.
- Other medicines that affect the skin or sun sensitivity may add to these effects.
- Tell your team about any other cancer treatments so they can plan care safely.
Available as: A solution given as a drip (infusion) into a vein.
Answers
Amivantamab: frequently asked questions
What is amivantamab used for?
It is a targeted antibody used to treat certain non-small-cell lung cancers with changes in the EGFR or MET proteins, blocking their growth signals and helping the immune system.
Why is the first dose given so carefully?
Reactions during the infusion are most likely with the first dose, so the team gives medicines beforehand, may slow the drip and watches you closely.
Why do I need to protect my skin from the sun?
Amivantamab can make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so covering up and using sun protection helps prevent skin reactions and burning.
How is it given?
It is given as a drip into a vein in hospital or a specialist day unit, not as a tablet.
Can I have it in pregnancy?
No. It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important during treatment; discuss any pregnancy plans with your specialist.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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