Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation and nimotuzumab for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: preliminary results from a phase II clinical trial

• DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13899
• Publication Date: 2016-12-13T18:04:09Z
• Authors: Jian-feng Huang; Fu-zheng Zhang; Qin-zhou Zou; Le-yuan Zhou; Bo Yang; Jian-jun Chu; Jia-hua Yu; Hao-wen Zhang; Xiao-peng Yuan; Guo-mei Tai; Fen-ju Liu; C-M Charlie Ma
• Keywords: Nimotuzumab; Induction chemotherapy

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor can be found in more than 80% patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is associated shorter survival. In this work, we evaluated the feasibility adding nimotuzumab to chemoradiation carcinoma. Twenty-three clinically staged T3-4 or any node-positive disease were enrolled. They scheduled receive one cycle induction chemotherapy followed by intensity-modulated radiotherapy, weekly administration concurrent chemotherapy. Results showed that all received a full course 19(82.6%)patients completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 22(95.7%) ≥6 weeks nimotuzumab. During period nimotuzumab, grade 3-4 toxicities occurred 14(60.9%) patients: 8 (34.8%) had oral mucositis, 6(26.1%) 3 neutropenia, 1(4.3%) dermatitis. No acne-like rash was observed. With median follow-up 24.1 months, 2-year progression-free survival overall 83.5% 95.0%, respectively. conclusion, well-tolerated good compliance. Preliminary clinical outcome data appear encouraging favorable normal tissue toxicity results comparing historical plus cetuximab.