Retrospective analysis to assess the feasibility of escalated dose of nimotuzumab in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) has large worldwide prevalence and accounts for almost 5% among all types of cancers. Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody that has shown promising results in patients with HNC. The present retrospective case study aimed at investigating the response rate and adverse events (AEs) of a high dose of nimotuzumab in patients with HNC who are ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Patients with locally advanced HNC who refused chemotherapy or were ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy were analyzed in the study. Patients were given nimotuzumab along with radiotherapy (RT). The duration of each treatment cycle was 6 weeks. About 200 mg nimotuzumab was administered, twice weekly for 6 weeks. The patients who received at least one treatment cycle of targeted therapy and accompanied regular follow-ups were assessed for response rate measurements. Results: A total of six patients were enrolled in the study. A response rate of 100% was observed in the patients who completed the treatment. Complete and partial response was 60% and 40%, respectively, in HNC patients at the end of treatment. Three patients were reported with Grade II mucositis. No Grade III or IV AEs were observed in the patients. Conclusion: High dose of nimotuzumab along with RT enhanced response rate in patients with HNC who are ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy without producing any additional toxicity.

Keywords

• Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor
• epidermal growth factor receptor
• head and neck cancer
• nimotuzumab