Efficacy of cetuximab in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preneau, Sophie; Rio, Emmanuel; Brocard, Anabelle; Peuvrel, Lucie; Nguyen, Jean-Michel; Quéreux, Gaelle; Dreno, Brigitte
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 25:Number 5(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2012.751481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

<abstract> <title /> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC) are very common. Localized CSCC are cured by surgery and/or radiotherapy and have a better prognosis than locally inoperable advanced CSCC. Cetuximab has recently been proposed to treat locally advanced CSCC when surgery or radiotherapy cannot be offered. <italic>Objective</italic>: The authors report results of a pilot study conducted in inoperable CSCC patients treated with cetuximab alone or combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. <italic>Material and methods</italic>: This study was conducted in 20 CSCC patients. RECIST criteria were used to evaluate clinical and radiological responses. <italic>Results</italic>: Five patients received cetuximab associated with radiotherapy (CR), nine with carboplatin (CC) and six as monotherapy (CM) over 1-month cycle treatment. Response to treatment was evaluated every two cycles. After 2 months of treatment, the authors observed nine partial responses, six stabilizations and four progressions. Disease control rate was of 78% (100% for CR, 87.5% for CC and 50% for CM) with a 47% response rate (80% for CR, 37.5% for CC and 33% for CM). <italic>Conclusion</italic>: The authors confirm the potential interest of cetuximab to treat unresectable advanced CSCC alone or combined with CC and CM. These results justify discussing a further randomized study combining radiotherapy and cetuximab.</p> </abstract>