Management of radiodermatitis associated with cetuximab in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Int J Dermatol. 2017 Jun;56(6):602-609. doi: 10.1111/ijd.13507. Epub 2017 Mar 1.

Abstract

The objective of this review is to report to the medical community the most recent knowledge on prevention and management of dermatitis with the use of cetuximab simultaneously with radiotherapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. A review was conducted in PubMed of English language publications between 2010 and 2015. The search employed the terms 'skin toxicity', 'radiodermatitis', 'cetuximab', 'radiotherapy', and 'head and neck cancer'. Data related to the classification and management of dermatitis, associated with cetuximab with concomitant radiotherapy (n = 22), were critically reviewed. We conclude that dermatitis associated with bioradiotherapy is a predictable, treatable, and reversible event that does not affect administration of therapy or its clinical outcome when treated appropriately.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Cetuximab / adverse effects*
  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Radiodermatitis / etiology
  • Radiodermatitis / prevention & control
  • Radiodermatitis / therapy*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Cetuximab