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Cetuximab plus radiation improved OS in SCCHN

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ASTRO 50th Annual Meeting

The five-year results of a study conducted to compare the combination of cetuximab and radiation with radiation alone for patients with squamous cell carcinomas showed a clear survival benefit for those assigned to combination treatment.

James A. Bonner, MD, chairman of radiation oncology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, presented the results of the study, which was an update on three-year results published in 2006.

Patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx were randomly assigned to comprehensive head and neck radiation therapy alone or radiation plus cetuximab (Erbitux, ImClone Systems).

The five-year OS for the 211 patients in the combination arm was 45.6% compared with 36.4% for the 213 patients assigned to radiation alone (HR=0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.95). Median OS for patients in the combination arm was 49 months, compared with 29.3 months for patients assigned to radiation alone.

“A 10% absolute survival benefit after five years: That’s a big deal for these patients,” Bonner told HemOnc Today. “Adding this agent really gives them an added benefit in their long-term lifespan.” – by Jason Harris

For more information:

• Bonner JA. Prolongation of survival with the addition of cetuximab to radiation in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (SCCHN): five-year results from a randomized trial. Presented at: the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology’s 50th Annual Meeting; Sept. 21-25, 2008; Boston.