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Anti‐EGFR–targeting agents in recurrent or metastatic head and neck carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Petrelli Fausto,
Barni Sandro
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21858
Subject(s) - medicine , oncology , head and neck cancer , rash , hazard ratio , progression free survival , meta analysis , epidermal growth factor receptor , mucositis , carcinoma , cetuximab , chemotherapy , radiation therapy , cancer , confidence interval , colorectal cancer
Background Anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies are effective in head and neck carcinoma. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess their efficacy and safety in advanced head and neck carcinoma. Methods Six trials randomizing 2257 patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck carcinoma for chemotherapy or best supportive care with or without anti‐EGFR therapies were identified. The efficacy data included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate, and toxicity. Results The response rate was higher in the experimental arm ( p < .0001; relative risk = 1.62). A significant PFS benefit ( p < .0001; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70) favored the anti‐EGFR treatment. Survival was significantly increased if trials of monoclonal antibodies were included ( p = .004; HR = 0.83). A higher incidence of diarrhea, skin rash, anorexia, and hypomagnesemia was observed. Conclusions This meta‐analysis suggests that in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer the addition of anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibodies to standard therapy confers a statistically significant improvement in OS, PFS, and overall response rate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011