Radiotherapy for elderly patients and cetuximab, a monocentric study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Head and Neck Cancers

Background:

• Concomitant radiotherapy and cetuximab is superior to radiotherapy alone for head and neck cancers.
• Data on this combination therapy in elderly patients is limited.
• Elderly population incidence for head and neck cancers is rising.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of concomitant radiotherapy and cetuximab in elderly patients (>70 years) with head and neck epidermoid carcinoma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data collection from Antoine Lacassagne Cancer Center (2008-2012).
• Inclusion criteria: age >70, histologically proven head and neck epidermoid carcinoma, treated with radiotherapy + cetuximab.
• Thirty-five elderly patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 22 months.

Main Results:

• Median overall survival was 49 months (SE=8).
• Median relapse-free survival was 32 months (SE=10).
• Two-year local-regional and metastatic relapse-free survivals were 59% (SE=10) and 74% (SE=10), respectively.

Conclusions:

• Concomitant radiotherapy and cetuximab appears effective in elderly head and neck cancer patients.
• Results suggest similar efficacy and toxicity compared to younger populations.
• This treatment should be considered for patients over 70 years.