Cetuximab in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer: defining the population

Abstract

Encouraging data for targeted therapy in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma are opening new op­tions for treatment. Phase III trials of cetuximab, an antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have demonstrated benefit in the lo­cally advanced and metastatic settings. Recognizing the importance of emerging therapies, Cancer Care Ontario published guideline recommendations for EGFR-targeted therapy in stage III and IV head-and-neck cancer. The present paper takes a further look at the population for whom an offer of cetuximab therapy may be appropriate.