ARE ANTI-VITAMIN K DRUGS CONTRAINDICATED WITH CETUXIMAB DURING HEAD-AND-NECK CANCER CONCOMITANT RADIOTHERAPY?

Abstract

Two cases of severe skin reactions to cetuximab and concomitant radiation therapy are reported in patients treated for locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma and concurrently treated with an antivitamin K drug for cardiovascular diseases. The role of vitamin K in the epidermal growth factor / epidermal growth factor receptor pathway is discussed. A plea for a specific registry is entered.

Keywords:

• antivitamin K
• cetuximab
• radiation therapy
• headand- neck cancer
• side effects