Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of cetuximab combination therapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer treated at a hospital in Southern Taiwan. Methods: This study analyzed a retrospective cohort of 67 patients who were treated between January 2020 and May 2024 with two cetuximab regimens, cetuximab combined with cisplatin and 5-Fu, which were administered every four weeks during hospitalization (CPF4) and every two weeks as outpatient treatment (CPF2), respectively. The clinical outcomes, including overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS), were compared across the treatment regimens and age groups using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The median overall survival was 11.1 months (95% confidence interval, 7.8–14.5), with CPF2 showing a potential PFS advantage in patients aged 46–60 years (p= 0.049). No significant differences in overall survival were observed between CPF2 and CPF4. CPF2, which was administered in an outpatient setting, was associated with improved convenience, reduced hospitalization, and potentially lower risks of hospital-acquired infections. Conclusions: CPF2 exhibits practical advantages and comparable effectiveness, making it the preferred treatment regimen for eligible patients. Further studies with larger populations and molecular stratifications are needed to confirm these findings and develop better treatment strategies.
背景/目的：本研究旨在评估台湾南部某医院对复发或转移性头颈癌患者采用西妥昔单抗联合疗法的有效性。方法：本研究回顾性分析了2020年1月至2024年5月期间接受两种西妥昔单抗方案治疗的67例患者队列，分别为住院期间每四周给药（CPF4）和门诊每两周给药（CPF2）的西妥昔单抗联合顺铂与5-氟尿嘧啶方案。通过Kaplan-Meier生存曲线和Cox比例风险模型比较不同治疗方案及年龄组的临床结局，包括总生存期和无进展生存期。结果：中位总生存期为11.1个月（95%置信区间7.8-14.5），其中CPF2方案在46-60岁患者中显示出潜在的无进展生存期优势（p=0.049）。CPF2与CPF4方案在总生存期方面未见显著差异。门诊实施的CPF2方案具有提升治疗便利性、减少住院时间及潜在降低院内感染风险的优点。结论：CPF2方案展现出实用优势与相当疗效，可作为适宜患者的优选治疗方案。未来需通过更大样本量及分子分层研究验证本发现，以制定更优化的治疗策略。
Evaluating Cetuximab Regimens in Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from a Retrospective Cohort Study
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家