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Cetuximab Concurrent with Radiotherapy in Unresectable, Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck: Real-World Evidence from a Tertiary Care Hospital

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Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cetuximab (EGFR-targeted IgG1 monoclonal antibody) has shown to improve the treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer. The evidence on the beneficial outcomes of cetuximab with radiotherapy (RT) in unresectable patients of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (LA-SCCHN) is limited in real-life practice. The present study evaluated the treatment outcomes of cetuximab concurrent with RT in Indian patients with unresectable LA-SCCHN. We retrospectively reviewed fifty-one patients with unresectable LA-SCCHN between January 2013 and December 2017, who were treated with cetuximab concurrently with RT. Tumor response and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated. Tumor response using RECIST (1.1) criteria reported complete response in 66.7%, partial response in 31.4% and progressive disease in 1.9% of the patients. The overall response rate was 98%. The 1-year and 2-year DFS was 85% and 69% respectively. The median DFS was significantly better in stage 3 than stage 4. The most common toxicity observed was mucositis and skin reactions (grade 3). Cetuximab concurrent with RT was effective in Indian patients with unresectable, LA-SCCHN and had an acceptable toxicity profile in real-life practice. The real-life beneficial evidence of the combination is consistent with the results documented in the randomized controlled trials.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, NSCB Medical College and Government Hospital, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India

    Shyamji Rawat, Rajesh Kumar Jain & Chandraprakash Verma

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  1. Shyamji Rawat
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  2. Rajesh Kumar Jain
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  3. Chandraprakash Verma
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Correspondence to Shyamji Rawat.

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The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in principles of Declaration of Helsinki.

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Rawat, S., Jain, R.K. & Verma, C. Cetuximab Concurrent with Radiotherapy in Unresectable, Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck: Real-World Evidence from a Tertiary Care Hospital. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 74 (Suppl 2), 1857–1863 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-020-01877-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-020-01877-y

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