Clinical study of cetuximab combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the feasibility and toxicity of the addition of cetuximab to paclitaxel,cisplatin,and concurrent intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Methods Nineteen patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ ESCC,without distant organ metastases,were eligible.All patients received cetuximab,an initial dose of 400 mg/m2 in the first week followed by weekly injection of 250 mg/m2,paclitaxel 45 mg/m2 and cisplatin 20 mg/m2 weekly for 7 weeks with IMRT of 59.4 Gy/33 fractions.Results Two patients discontinued because of severe adverse events.Seventeen patients completed the planned treatment protocol.Of whom,12 patients achieved completeremission.The objective response rate was 100％.A median follow-up time was 29.3 months.The 1-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rate was 100％ and 82％,respectively.Main toxicities including myelosuppression,esophagitis and skin rash happened in 19 patients.Grade ≥2 neutropenia,esophagitis and skin toxicity noted rates was 89％,84％ and 58％,respectively.Local recurrence was found in two patients.Neck lymph node and lung metastasis found in one patient.Conclusions Cetuximab,when combined with paclitaxel,cisplatin and IMRT,is efficient and safe for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,Further clinical study is needed.