Cetuximab in metastatic squamous cell cancer of the skin: a Swiss case series.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is current evidence that non-melanoma skin cancers can be successfully treated with cetuximab.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the use and efficacy of cetuximab (with or without radiotherapy) in a series of previously treated patients with metastatic squamous cell cancer of the skin (SCCS) in Switzerland.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective analysis of six patients from four centers. Endpoints were disease control rates (DCRs) at 4-8 weeks, 12-14 weeks and 20-36 weeks of treatment. Treatment-related toxicity was evaluated additionally.

RESULTS:

A median of 14 cycles of cetuximab were applied. DCR was 67% at 4-8 weeks, 50% at 12-14 weeks and 33% at 20-36 weeks. In 4-8 weeks responders, mean relapse-free time was 12 ± 6.2 months and mean overall survival was 25 ± 16.2 months. Grade I-III acne-like rash developed around week 3 of treatment in 83%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cetuximab treatment in patients with metastatic SCCS achieved an overall DCR of 67% at 4-8 weeks of treatment. This study underlines the current evidence that SCCS can be successfully treated with cetuximab.

• Authors: Katrin L Conen, Natalie Fischer, Günther F L Hofbauer, Bahar Shafaeddin-Schreve, Ralph Winterhalder, Christoph Rochlitz, Alfred Zippelius
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 229 Issue 2 Pg. 97-101 ( 2014) ISSN: 1421-9832 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 24923455 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antineoplastic Agents
• ErbB Receptors
• Cetuximab

Topics

• Aged
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized (administration & dosage)
• Antineoplastic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (drug therapy, mortality, secondary)
• Cetuximab
• Disease-Free Survival
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• ErbB Receptors (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Neoplasm Metastasis
• Prognosis
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy, mortality, pathology)
• Survival Rate (trends)
• Switzerland (epidemiology)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome