Toxicity of cetuximab versus cisplatin concurrent with radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (LAHNSCC)

We retrospectively reviewed acute toxicity with cetuximab and radiotherapy, comparing it with a matched cisplatin group. The cetuximab group experienced significantly more toxicity - grade >= 3 oral mucositis (p = 0.014), skin dermatitis (p = 0.0004), >= 10% weight loss (p = 0.03), and enteral feeding requirement (p = 0.05). This finding of enhanced toxicity is similar to recent publications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Radiotherapy and Oncology 98 (2011) 38-41