Cetuximab in non-melanoma skin cancer.
Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has become the most common cancer with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Review areas covered: The chimeric human-mouse monoclonal antibody Cetuximab against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been approved for advanced head and neck cancer (HNC). Since SCC has been shown to express the EGFR, EGFR-targeted therapy is an option. Methodology: A PUBMED® research 2000 - 2012 have been conducted using the following items: "Non-melanoma skin cancer AND cetuximab," "cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma AND cetuximab," and "basal cell carcinoma AND cetuximab." Results: Current evidence of cetuximab efficacy in NMSC results from a Phase II trial and case reports. Cetuximab can be combined with radiotherapy in analogy to HNC. The total response rate is almost 50% in patients with SCC. The combination with radiotherapy resulted in a complete response rate of 50%. Management of adverse reactions in SCC with particular emphasis on cutaneous toxicities is necessary. Further controlled trials are needed. Expert opinion: EGFR inhibitor cetuximab is an option for recurrent or advanced SCC of skin. The combination with radiotherapy seems to be superior to cetuximab alone.[1]References
- Cetuximab in non-melanoma skin cancer. Wollina, U. Expert. Opin. Biol. Ther (2012) [Pubmed]
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