Predictors of outcome with cetuximab and paclitaxel for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Identify predictors of outcome in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC) treated with weekly cetuximab and paclitaxel (CP).

Retrospective analysis.

Patients with RMHNSCC treated with CP were identified and patient data was recorded. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate outcomes, and Cox regression analysis was used to examine outcome predictors.

Fifty-nine patients initiated CP between January 2007 and June 2014. Median age was 56 (range: 39-80) years. The most common primary sites were the oropharynx in 22 (37%) patients, oral cavity in 19 (32%), and larynx in 11 (19%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was 0 in seven (12%), 1 in 32 (54%), and 2 in 16 (28%) patients. In 44 (75%) patients, CP was used as a first-line R/M regimen. Median number of cycles was five (range: 1-29). Dose modifications were necessary in 27 (46%) patients. The objective response rate was 47.5%, with 27 (45.8%) partial responses and one (2%) complete response. With a median follow-up of 13.4 months, median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7.7 and 13.2 months, respectively. On multivariable analysis, an ECOG of 2 of 3 was associated with inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.94; P = 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-14.04) and PFS (HR: 7.29; P < 0.01; 95% CI: 2.1-26.0) compared to an ECOG 0 of 1. First-line CP administration was associated with superior PFS compared to second line (HR: 2.6; P = 0.02; 95% CI:1.2-5.5).

CP is well tolerated in this population of patients, with favorable tumor efficacy. First-line use and an ECOG 0 of 1 points appears to confer superior outcomes.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1583-1588, 2017.