Cetuximab and radiation for primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in the elderly and multi-morbid patient: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND: Chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer (SCCHN) is challenging in elderly, multi-morbid patients. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with cetuximab provides an option to enhance efficacy of radiotherapy without increased toxicity. We present a single-centre experience of RIT these patients. METHODS: Toxicity and outcome was retrospectively analysed in patients treated with radiotherapy and cetuximab between 2006 and 2009. Treatment response was analysed at first follow-up, outcome was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS: 73 patients with primary/recurrent SCCHN were treated (re-irradiation: 22 patients). CTC grade 3 allergic reactions occurred in 4 patients, grade 3 acneiforme skin reactions leading to discontinuation of cetuximab in 3 patients. Overall response rate was 59,4%, median locoregional and overall progression-free survival (PFS) was 18 and 15 months, overall survival (OS) 18 months. CONCLUSION: RIT is a feasible treatment option for elderly and multi-morbid patients with promising therapeutic activity. Long-term disease control can also be achieved in patients receiving RIT for re-irradiation.