Abstract
Cetuximab has received additional approval for the treatment of cancer of the head and neck and has thus become a new option for molecular-targeted therapy. To date, we have used cetuximab in nine patients with cancer of the head and neck. Here we report on two of these patients in whom comparatively favorable results were achieved. Patient 1 was a 47-year-old man who received two cycles of combination chemotherapy including cetuximab for multiple pulmonary metastases of oropharyngeal cancer. The patient was then given maintenance doses of cetuximab alone. Patient 2 was a 71-year-old man who received six cycles of combination chemotherapy including cetuximab for multiple pulmonary metastases of laryngeal cancer. The patient is currently receiving maintenance doses of cetuximab alone. The tumors were reduced in both patients, and they are currently undergoing follow-up. Cetuximab has become an established therapeutic option; however, there is still room for debate regarding the significance of use. This therapy should therefore be used with caution. Moreover, adverse reactions peculiar to this drug have been reported, suggesting the need for thorough management of preventive measures and countermeasures for these reactions.
