Nimotuzumab combined with radiotherapy for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer - A case report from a tertiary cancer center

BACKGROUND: Nimotuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor which can be combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of head-and-neck region and its role has already been established in India. AIM: The aim of this case report is to show the role of nimotuzumab in carcinoma hypopharynx. METHODS: We report a patient with Stage III carcinoma of hypopharynx, who received radiotherapy along with weekly nimotuzumab due to his comorbidities. The patient had tolerated the treatment very well without any major side effects. RESULTS: The patient is on regular follow-up with a complete response (CR) of the disease and with the disease-free interval (DFI) of 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Nimotuzumab along with radiotherapy can be safely given in the patients with carcinoma hypopharynx, who are ineligible for chemotherapy. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Nimotuzumab can be added with radiotherapy to the patients with head-and-neck malignancies who are ineligible for chemotherapy to improve the clinical outcome with minimal toxicity.