Agarwal, J PGupta, TKalyani, NBudrukkar, ALaskar, S GMurthy, VKumar, PNarohna, VPai, PChaturvedi, PD'cruz, A K2013-01-172013-01-172011-04Agarwal J P, Gupta T, Kalyani N, Budrukkar A, Laskar S G, Murthy V, Kumar P, Narohna V, Pai P, Chaturvedi P, D'cruz A K. Cetuximab with radiotherapy in patients with loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck unsuitable or ineligible for concurrent platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy: Ready for routine clinical practice. Indian Journal of Cancer. 2011 Apr-Jun; 48(2): 148-153.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/144443Purpose : To report outcomes of cetuximab concurrent with radiotherapy in advanced head-neck cancer unsuitable for platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : Retrospective chart review of 37 patients treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy at a comprehensive cancer centre. Results : Median age of study cohort was 59 years. Thirty four (92%) patients had advanced stage disease (stage III-IV). Reasons for ineligibility for platinum included impaired creatinine-clearance, old age, and/or co-morbidities. Thirty-two (86%) patients completed planned radiotherapy without interruption; 29 (80%) patients received ≥6 cycles of cetuximab. Fifteen patients (40.5%) developed ≥grade 3 dermatitis; 9 patients (25%) experienced ≥grade 3 mucositis. At a median follow-up of 16 months, the 2-year loco-regional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival was 35.5%, 29.5%, and 44.4% respectively. Stage grouping and severe dermatitis were significant predictors of outcome. Conclusions : Cetuximab concurrent with radiotherapy is a reasonable alternative in advanced head-neck cancer patients with acceptable compliance and outcomes, but higher skin toxicity.enCetuximabchemo-radiotherapycisplatincost-effectivenessloco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neckAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAntibodies, Monoclonal --administration & dosageAntineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols --therapeutic useBrachytherapyCarcinoma, Squamous Cell --pathologyCarcinoma, Squamous Cell --therapyChemoradiotherapyCisplatin --administration & dosageCohort StudiesFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHead and Neck Neoplasms --pathologyHead and Neck Neoplasms --therapyHumansMaleMiddle AgedProspective StudiesRetrospective StudiesSurvival RateTreatment OutcomeArticle