Evaluating Cetuximab Regimens in Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from a Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of cetuximab combination therapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer treated at a hospital in Southern Taiwan.

METHODS

This study analyzed a retrospective cohort of 67 patients who were treated between January 2020 and May 2024 with two cetuximab regimens, cetuximab combined with cisplatin and 5-Fu, which were administered every four weeks during hospitalization (CPF4) and every two weeks as outpatient treatment (CPF2), respectively. The clinical outcomes, including overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS), were compared across the treatment regimens and age groups using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

The median overall survival was 11.1 months (95% confidence interval, 7.8-14.5), with CPF2 showing a potential PFS advantage in patients aged 46-60 years ( = 0.049). No significant differences in overall survival were observed between CPF2 and CPF4. CPF2, which was administered in an outpatient setting, was associated with improved convenience, reduced hospitalization, and potentially lower risks of hospital-acquired infections.

CONCLUSIONS

CPF2 exhibits practical advantages and comparable effectiveness, making it the preferred treatment regimen for eligible patients. Further studies with larger populations and molecular stratifications are needed to confirm these findings and develop better treatment strategies.