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Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. It has demonstrated activity against a number of cancers including lung, head and neck, and colorectal. The most common side effects associated with this agent are dermatological; however, other types of toxicities have been reported with varying frequencies. Here, we report a case of interstitial lung disease that developed within the first 4 weeks of cetuximab treatment initiation in a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer and led to patient death. Early fatal pulmonary events secondary to cetuximab is rarely reported in the literature; this case report highlights the importance of awareness among treating health care professionals of this potentially fatal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are present in increased numbers in patients with advanced cancer and CD25+ T cell depletion potentiates tumour immunity in animal models. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of adoptive transfer of CD25+ depleted autologous T cells in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and to examine resulting changes in lymphocyte subsets. Six patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma underwent leukapheresis followed by conditioning chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. The autologous leukapheresis product was depleted of CD25+ cells using CliniMACS® System then re-infused into the patient. Efficient CD25+ depletion from all leukapheresis products was achieved and 0.55–5.87 × 107/kg CD3+ cells were re-infused. Chemotherapy related haematological toxicity was observed, but blood counts recovered in all patients allowing discharge after a mean inpatient stay of 21 days. One patient subsequently developed a rapidly progressive neurological syndrome. A transient reduction in CD25+ subset was noted in the peripheral blood of 5 out of 6 patients with evidence of increased T cell responses to PHA in 4 out of 6 patients. One patient showed increased specific proliferative responses to the tumour associated antigen h5T4 coinciding with the nadir of Treg cells. Given the transient nature of the reduction in CD25+ subset and the observed toxicity there is a need to explore further strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of this approach. Nevertheless, the results provide proof of concept in potentiation of tumour antigen T cell responses when Treg cell levels are depleted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]