Efficacy and Safety of Cetuximab plus Radiotherapy in Cisplatin-Unfit Elderly Patients with Advanced Squamous Cell Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation currently represents the standard treatment for advanced head and neck cancer (HNC), but it induces a significant toxicity, in particular among elderly patients. Elderly and unfit patients have been underrepresented in clinical trials and there is a need for tailored guidelines. Methods: A retrospective review of clinical data of HNC patients treated at the Operative Oncology Unit of the San Giovanni di Dio Hospital in Frattamaggiore (Naples, Italy) was performed. At study entry, a comprehensive assessment including absolute contraindications for cisplatin use, as well as comorbidities, socioeconomic status, BMI, and weight loss, was performed. The treatment included high-dose radiotherapy plus weekly cetuximab (initially at a dose of 400 mg/m²of body surface area and thereafter at 250 mg weekly during the whole radiotherapy). The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of this schedule in a series of patients aged older than 69 years. Results: Between May 30, 2013, and March 30, 2015, sixty-four patients (age range, 69–87 years; median age, 73.7 years; male/female ratio, 46/18) were treated. The overall response rate was 67% in this series of patients. The disease control rate was 76%. Disease progression was recorded in 25% of the patients. The median duration of loco-regional control was 17 months (range, 15.8–17.7 months). PFS was 14.8 months (range, 13.9–15.5 months). The overall survival was 34 months, with a median follow-up of 41.0 months (range, 31.1–36.8 months). The main grade 3/4 adverse events were acne rash in 52% and radiation dermatitis in 32% of the cases. Conclusion: Cetuximab plus radiotherapy appears to be feasible and active in elderly patients unsuitable for cisplatin treatment. The treatment was supported by a favorable toxicity profile.