Cetuximab for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Context: Treatment outcome for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is poor. Recently, anti-epidermal growth factor monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab have been used to improve outcome. Evidence Acquisition: Medline, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched to identify published studies that evaluated cetuximab for loco regionally advanced and metastatic/recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. Only published studies in English between 1990 and 2016 were included. Results: Cetuximab may be administered concomitantly with radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy during the induction phase of sequential modalities. Also, it has been used in combination with chemotherapy as first line or second line for treatment of metastatic/recurrent patients. Conclusions: Cetuximab can be incorporated at some points in the course of treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The best protocols and the appropriate patients remain to be defined.