amivantamab at a glance
Medicine class
EGFR–MET bispecific monoclonal antibody
Main use
Selected EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancers
How it is given
By a healthcare professional, as an abdominal injection under the skin or an intravenous infusion
Testing before treatment
The relevant EGFR mutation must be confirmed using a validated test
What is amivantamab used for?
Licensed uses cover adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and specified activating EGFR mutations.
With lazertinib as first treatment for cancers with an EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution.
With carboplatin and pemetrexed after previous treatment including an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for cancers with an EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution.
With carboplatin and pemetrexed as first treatment for cancers with an activating EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation.
Used alone after platinum-based treatment has failed for cancers with an activating EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation.
How does amivantamab work?
Amivantamab attaches to the external parts of EGFR and MET. It blocks signalling and promotes removal of these receptors, helping restrict tumour growth, while also directing immune cells to attack cancer cells carrying these receptors.
amivantamab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 350 mg
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1600 mg, 2240 mg
How to take amivantamab
Amivantamab is prepared and given by a trained healthcare professional where administration reactions can be managed. The subcutaneous formulation is injected into rotating sites on the abdomen, avoiding damaged, tender, bruised, scarred or tattooed skin. The intravenous formulation is diluted, filtered and infused through a vein. An antihistamine, corticosteroid and antipyretic may be given beforehand as appropriate.
Attend all treatment and monitoring appointments.
Tell staff immediately if symptoms develop during an injection or infusion.
Do not attempt to inject or infuse amivantamab yourself.
amivantamab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Acne-like rash, dry or itchy skin, and nail inflammation or soreness
- Administration-related reactions, particularly with intravenous treatment
- Mouth soreness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Tiredness, reduced appetite, muscle aches and swelling from fluid retention
- Low albumin, calcium, potassium or magnesium levels, and altered liver blood tests
- Eye irritation or dryness; injection-site discomfort may occur with the subcutaneous formulation
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever, which may indicate interstitial lung disease
- Severe administration reaction with breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, marked flushing, chills or collapse
- Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or limb pain and swelling suggesting venous thrombosis, particularly when combined with lazertinib
- Eye pain, worsening vision or symptoms of corneal inflammation
- Widespread blistering or peeling skin, or a severe atypical rash
amivantamab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable. The mechanism and animal evidence from related EGFR and MET inhibition indicate potential harm to a developing baby. Amivantamab should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless the specialist judges that benefit outweighs risk. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for three months after it ends. Contact the oncology team promptly if pregnancy occurs.
amivantamab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether amivantamab enters human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. The specialist and patient should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or avoid amivantamab after considering the benefits of each.
amivantamab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Provide the oncology team with a complete list of prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products.
Live or live-attenuated vaccines
Avoid during amivantamab treatment because their safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Lazertinib
The combination increases venous thromboembolism risk and requires specialist prevention and monitoring arrangements.
Common questions about amivantamab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is EGFR testing needed before amivantamab?
Its licensed uses are limited to cancers with particular activating EGFR mutations. A validated tumour-tissue or plasma test confirms whether the cancer matches an approved use.
Is amivantamab chemotherapy?
No. It is a bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR and MET, although some licensed uses combine it with chemotherapy.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.