Radiotherapy plus Cetuximab for Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Abstract

The authors have evaluated 8 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who had been treated with radiotherapy plus Cetuximab. All patients were considered to be inappropriate for chemoradiotherapy due to age, renal dysfunction, or liver injury. Complete response was obtained in 5 patients. Five patients suffered Grade 3 dysphagia caused by mucositis, however, radiotherapy was not interrupted. Grade 5 lung injury occurred in one patient. Cetuximab-induced lung injury may become life-threatening, thus careful attention is required.