Amivantamab

Antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies
Antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies
High alert
An error with this medicine can cause serious harm: double checks and protocols are used.
Pregnancy: avoid
Avoid in pregnancy. It may harm the fetus: a pregnancy test is done first, contraception is used during and for months after treatment, and breastfeeding is stopped.

A bispecific antibody that hits both EGFR and MET; used in EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Infusion reactions and skin rash are common.

Updated Nov 12, 2026

Also called: amivantamab-vmjw

Quick facts

Group: Antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies
Target: EGFR and MET receptors (bispecific antibody)
Key effects: Acne-like rash · Nail fold inflammation · Nausea
Monitor: Vital signs and symptoms during · Eye symptoms
ATC: L01FX18

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

Mechanism of action

EGFR and MET receptors (bispecific antibody)Amivantamab

The crystal shows the anti-MET arm of amivantamab bound to the extracellular part of human MET; its other arm binds EGFR.

Target in 3D: EGFR and MET receptors (bispecific antibody). PDB structure 6WVZ (RCSB PDB, public domain). View the structure at RCSB PDB

Amivantamab is a bispecific antibody: one arm binds EGFR and the other binds MET. It blocks ligand signalling through both receptors and recruits immune cells that attack the tumour (antibody-dependent cytotoxicity). Because it acts outside the cell, it works against EGFR mutations, such as exon 20 insertions, that resist most EGFR kinase inhibitors.

One arm binds EGFR, the other binds MET
Ligand signalling through both receptors is blocked
Immune cells attack the antibody-coated tumour

Indications

Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations: first line with lazertinib or with carboplatin and pemetrexed, after progression on an EGFR inhibitor with carboplatin and pemetrexed, or alone after platinum. Lung cancer →

Adverse effects

Common

Acne-like rash, dry skin, itching
Nail fold inflammation (paronychia)
Swelling of hands and feet, mouth sores
Muscle and joint pain, fatigue
Nausea, constipation

Contraindications

Severe hypersensitivity to amivantamab

Key interactions

Lazertinib (given together): The combination raises the risk of serious blood clots in the legs and lungs.
Carboplatin and pemetrexed (given together): Adds chemotherapy toxicity, such as low blood counts.

What is monitored

Vital signs and symptoms during and after every infusion, especially the first
Skin and nails at each visit
New cough or breathlessness
Eye symptoms; signs of clots when used with lazertinib

Administration and safety

Intravenous infusion by trained staff, with premedication as ordered.
Close watching for flushing, breathlessness, chills or nausea; infusion slowed or stopped if they occur.
Sun protection, alcohol-free moisturisers and skin care measures are started to prevent rash.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy. It may harm the fetus: a pregnancy test is done first, contraception is used during and for months after treatment, and breastfeeding is stopped.

Nursing care

Give premedication as ordered and stay with the patient during the first infusion.
Teach skin care: sun protection, moisturiser and early reporting of rash or nail changes.
Teach to report new cough, breathlessness or chest pain, and leg swelling or pain.
Teach to stop contact lenses and report eye pain, redness or blurred vision.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Intravenous infusion in a medical facility, given slowly with close watching.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Which two receptors does amivantamab bind?

EGFR and MET.

Which EGFR mutation type is a classic reason to use amivantamab?

Exon 20 insertions, which respond poorly to most EGFR kinase inhibitors.

What is the most frequent acute problem with the first infusion?

Infusion-related reactions.

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Connections

← Back to the class: Antineoplastic monoclonal antibodies

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: Amivantamab-vmjw Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Amivantamab-vmjw - NCI (National Cancer Institute, 2024); RCSB PDB - 6WVZ: Crystal structure of anti-MET Fab arm of amivantamab in complex with human MET (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.