title: A phase II study of concurrent cetuximab-cisplatin and intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on our previous work on the clinical activity of cetuximab in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we evaluated the feasibility of adding cetuximab to concurrent cisplatin and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in locoregionally advanced NPC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III-IVB NPC were given an initial dose of cetuximab (400 mg/m(2)) 7-10 days before receiving concurrent IMRT, weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m(2)/week) and cetuximab (250 mg/m(2)/week).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty patients (median age of 45 years) with stage III (67%), IVA (30%) and IVB (3%) nonkeratinizing NPC were enrolled. Grade 3-4 oropharyngeal mucositis occurred in 26 (87%) patients and 10 (33%) patients required short-term nasogastric feeding. Grade 3 radiotherapy-related dermatitis occurred in six patients (20%) and three patients (10%) had grade 3 cetuximab-related acneiform rash. These grade 3-4 skin and mucosal toxic effects were manageable and reversible. At a median follow-up of 31.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.2-32.1 months], the 2-year progression-free survival was 86.5% (95% CI 74.3% to 98.8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Concurrent administration of cetuximab, weekly cisplatin and IMRT is a feasible strategy against locoregionally advanced NPC. Preliminary survival data compare favorably with historic data and further follow-up is warranted.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Electronic address: brigette@clo.cuhk.edu.hk.
authors.forename: B B Y
authors.initials: BBY
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: M K M
authors.initials: MKM
authors.lastname: Kam
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.affiliation: Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mo
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Loong
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: B K H
authors.initials: BKH
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahuja
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute. The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
authors.forename: A T C
authors.initials: ATC
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002277:Carcinoma; D000068818:Cetuximab; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018450:Disease Progression; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077274:Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002945:Cisplatin