Two cases of combination therapy with cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin for advanced head and neck cancer

Two patients diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancer were treated with cetuximab 400 mg/m² intravenously for one loading dose followed by 250 mg/m² IV on days 1, 8, and 15 along with paclitaxel 80 mg/m² and cisplatin 30 mg/m² intravenously on days 1 and 8 repeated every 21 days for three cycles (CPP). Maintenance cetuximab 250 mg/m² intravenously weekly was continued following the aforementioned regimen for one year or until disease progression. Patient A was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland treated initially with parotidectomy and radiation therapy. After the detection of multiple lung metastases, he received three cycles of CPP and maintained a stable disease after one year. Patient B was diagnosed with metastatic laryngeal cancer and was initially treated with three cycles of docetaxel, cisplatin, and continuous infusion fluorouracil (TPF) followed by chemoradiation with cisplatin. After one year, recurrence was observed, and she was treated with laryngopharyngectomy. After another year, recurrence was observed , and CPP was initiated. Further progression was noted shortly after completion of cycle 3. There are limited data supporting the use of regimens similar to CPP in advanced head and neck cancer. Further study is needed to determine the relative efficacy and safety of CPP compared with other regimens containing monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, taxanes, platinum agents, and/or fluorouracil.