Toxicity of concomitant cetuximab and radiotherapy with or without initial taxane-based induction chemotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability of concurrent radiotherapy and cetuximab (bioradiotherapy [BRT]) after taxane-based induction chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods. One hundred four patients with HNSCC received BRT with (29%) or without (71%) prior taxane-based induction chemotherapy. Results. Radiodermatitis (97%) and skin rash (65%) occurred frequently, but there was no difference of occurrence or the grade of the rash observed in the 2 populations. However, patients receiving taxane-based induction chemotherapy had a less severe rash as compared with patients without induction chemotherapy. Mucositis and dysphagia were frequent and comparable in the 2 groups. The occurrence of a skin rash (at any grade) did not predict an increased overall survival (OS) in the overall population, but it was associated with an improved 3-year OS in patients receiving taxane-based induction chemotherapy. OS was not influenced by the skin rash grade in the overall population of the 2 treatment subgroups. Conclusion. Taxane-based induction chemotherapy did not increase the rate of cetuximab-related toxicities.