Effectiveness of incorporating cetuximab into docetaxel/cisplatin/fluorouracil induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Background: Inoperable oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a highly invasive disease associated with the extensive destruction of locoregional tissues and a dismal prognosis. Management strategies for these patients are limited. Methods: This study was a single arm, prospective, open-label phase II trial. A regimen consisting of cetuximab-docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (C-TPF) followed by bio-chemoradiotherapy (bio-CRT) with cisplatin and cetuximab was administered to patients who responded to induction chemotherapy. The objective response rate to C-TPF was the primary endpoint. Results: Forty-three patients were enrolled in this study. The objective response rate of C-TPF was 88.4%; 88.9% (32/36) of the responders completed the full bio-CRT course, and the objective response rate of bio-CRT was 64.7%. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events for induction chemotherapy were leucopenia (32.6%) and febrile neutropenia (14.0%). The 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 43% and 68%, respectively. Conclusion: C-TPF is an effective and tolerable induction chemotherapy regimen for inoperable oral cavity SCC.