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Cetuximab in hemodialysis: a case report
Ibrahim T Aldoss1, Troy Plumb, Weining Ken Zhen
1Department of Internal Medicine, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Head & Neck
|March 14, 2009
Summary
Cetuximab offers a safe alternative to cisplatin for head and neck cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study reports the first successful use of cetuximab in a hemodialysis patient with advanced head and neck cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
- Renal Impairment Management
Background:
- Standard treatment for unresectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma involves cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy.
- Cisplatin administration poses challenges for hemodialysis patients due to post-infusion requirements.
- Cetuximab is approved for head and neck cancer but its use in hemodialysis patients is undocumented.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male with stage IVA hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma requiring hemodialysis was treated.
- Due to logistical issues with cisplatin and hemodialysis, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cetuximab was administered.
Findings:
- The patient tolerated concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cetuximab well, experiencing only minor side effects.
- This case demonstrates the successful application of cetuximab in a patient with significant renal impairment undergoing hemodialysis.
Implications:
- Cetuximab can be safely administered to patients with renal impairment, including those on hemodialysis.
- This finding expands treatment options for head and neck cancer patients with kidney dysfunction.
- Further research into cetuximab use in renal impairment is warranted.
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