Adverse skin reactions during treatment with cetuximab plus radiotherapy: Multidisciplinary approach to minimize radio-chemotherapy interruption. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ricci, Francesco; Paradisi, Andrea; Silveri, Sara Lanza; Sampogna, Francesca; Miccichè, Francesco; Bonomo, Pier L.; DiNapoli, Nicola; Valentini, Vincenzo; Capizzi, Rodolfo; Guerriero, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 26:Number 2(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 183
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2014.927815
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), such as cetuximab, are effective in loco-regional advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in association with radiotherapy. Cutaneous reactions are well known as adverse events during treatment with EGFR inhibitors.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To identify a multidisciplinary approach for mucous-cutaneous toxicity during cetuximab-radiotherapy treatment in order to reduce the risk of an early radio-chemotherapy interruption.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: The data of 38 patients with SCCHN receiving cetuximab and radiotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The control group (<italic>n</italic> = 15) received the standardized treatments according to the severity of skin reactions with dermatologic visits only for high degrees of toxicity. The experimental group (<italic>n</italic> = 23) was monitored and daily treated by dermatologists since grade 1 of cutaneous toxicity. The primary end-point of our study was the mean days of antitumor therapy interruption.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: The mean number of days of antitumor therapy suspension was 12.6 (7.6) in the standard treatment group and 5.0 (6.6) in the experimental group (<italic>p</italic> = 0.002). This difference was observed for each grade of toxicity.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: The early interruption of radio-chemotherapy has a negative impact on survival in patients with SCCHN. In our study, a closer dermatological examination and treatment for all degrees of toxicity reduced early interruptions of chemo-radiotherapy.</p> </abstract>