The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7303 p734
12 June 2004

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American Society of Clinical Oncology: reports (more)

Cetuximab added to radiotherapy improves patients' survival in head and neck cancer

Patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have improved control and overall survival is increased if cetuximab (Erbitux, developed by ImClone) is added to their high-dose radiotherapy regimen. So said James Bonner, professor of radiation oncology, University of Alabama, when he presented results of a phase III trial.

A total of 424 patients were randomised to receive either radiation alone for six to seven weeks, or radiation plus weekly cetuximab. Patients were followed for up to five years. The primary endpoint was locoregional control, which was significantly improved in the radiation/cetuximab group (n=211) compared with the radiation-only group (n=213) (P=0.02). Median survival was 54 months in the radiation/cetuximab group and 28 months in the radiation-only group (P=0.02).

Professor Bonner said that there was no exacerbation in radiation-induced mucositis with cetuximab. However, some additional toxicity was attributed to cetuximab, including a follicular rash on the face and trunk; this healed well after therapy. “This new regimen represents a promising new treatment for head and neck cancer that has the potential to help many patients,” he concluded.

The reports on this page are from the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from June 5 to 8. The Journal attended the congress courtesy of Eli Lilly