Cetuximab in non-melanoma skin cancer

Abstract

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.

Keywords::

• cetuximab
• epidermal growth factor receptor
• non-melanoma skin cancer
• targeted tumor therapy