Weekly vs. 3-weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab (PCC) in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer

The combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin and cetuximab (PCC) is efficacious in patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The current study assessed the incidence of grade 3/4 (G3/4) toxicity for patients receiving weekly or 3-weekly PCC for R/M SCCHN. The present single-institution, retrospective analysis included 74 patients who received weekly [paclitaxel 45 mg/m² and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC), 1.5] or 3-weekly (paclitaxel 175 mg/m² and carboplatin AUC, 5) PCC. For each regimen, cetuximab was administered at 400 mg/m² for the first week, after which the dosage was reduced to 250 mg/m² weekly until disease progression occurred. Toxicity was assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03, and response to therapy was determined using computed tomography every 12 weeks. The results revealed that 26 patients (35%) received weekly PCC and 48 patients (65%) received PCC every 3 weeks. A total of 6 (25%) patients receiving weekly PCC experienced G3/4 toxicity compared with 30 (66%) patients that received PCC every 3 weeks (odds ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.64; P=0.01). The most common G3/4 side effects were neutropenia (8 vs. 53%), anemia (15 vs. 32%) and fatigue (3 vs. 10%). The incidence of G3/4 toxicity or any grade toxicity requiring dose modification or discontinuation was 74 vs. 77%, respectively. The overall response rate was 39% with weekly PCC compared with 27% in those receiving PCC every 3 weeks. The 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 27 and 46% for patients receiving weekly PCC, and 13 and 44% for patients receiving PCC every 3 weeks. Weekly PCC had a reduced risk of G3/4 toxicity when compared with PCC administered every 3 weeks. Considering the improved tolerance of weekly PCC, this regimen should be considered for older patients and patients being treated with second-line chemotherapy.