Premium
Paired phase II trials evaluating cetuximab and radiotherapy for low risk HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer and locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in patients not eligible for cisplatin
Author(s) -
Swiecicki Paul L.,
Li Pin,
Bellile Emily,
Stucken Chaz,
Malloy Kelly,
Shuman Andrew,
Spector Matthew E.,
Chinn Steven,
Casper Keith,
McLean Scott,
Moyer Jeffery,
Chepeha Douglas,
Wolf Gregory T,
Prince Mark,
Bradford Carol,
Nyati Mukesh,
Eisbruch Avraham,
Worden Francis P,
Jolly Shruti,
Mierzwa Michelle
Publication year - 2020
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.26085
Subject(s) - cetuximab , medicine , oncology , head and neck cancer , cisplatin , radiation therapy , adverse effect , head and neck squamous cell carcinoma , cohort , cancer , chemotherapy , colorectal cancer
Background Alternative therapeutic strategies are needed for localized oropharyngeal carcinoma. Cetuximab represents a potential option for those ineligible for cisplatin or, until recently, an agent for de‐escalation in low risk HPV+ oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC). Our objective was to define the toxicity and efficacy of cetuximab‐radiotherapy. Methods We conducted paired phase II trials evaluating cetuximab‐radiotherapy in two cohorts (a) low risk HPV+ OPSCC and (b) cisplatin ineligible. The mean follow‐up was 48 months. Results Forty‐two patients were enrolled in cohort A with a 2‐year disease free survival (DFS) of 81%. Twenty‐one patients were enrolled in cohort B prior to closure due to adverse outcomes with a 2‐year DFS of 37%. Severe toxicities were seen in 60% of patients, 30% required enteral nutrition. Conclusion Among cisplatin ineligible patients, cetuximab treatment engendered poor outcomes. Rates of severe toxicities were on par with platinum‐based regimens suggesting that cetuximab is not a benign treatment.