Cetuximab, docetaxel, and cisplatin (TPEx) as first-line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN): Final results of phase II trial GORTEC 2008-03.

5567 Background: Cetuximab in combination with platinum and 5FU has become a standard in first-line treatment of patients (pts) with R/M SCCHN. Cetuximab and taxane combinations have shown promising activity. This multicenter phase II study evaluates the efficacy and safety of cetuximab, docetaxel and cisplatin combination (TPEx) as first-line treatment in pts with R/M SCCHN. Methods: Pts were required to have WHO PS 0-1, no prior systemic therapy for R/M SCCHN, cumulative dose of cisplatin less than 300 mg/m² and no prior anti-EGFR therapy. Pts received docetaxel 75 mg/m² day 1, cisplatin 75 mg/m² day 1 and cetuximab (400 mg/m² on day 1 of cycle 1 then 250 mg/m² weekly), repeated every 21 days x 4 cycles then followed by cetuximab 500 mg/m² every 2 weeks as maintenance therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. G-CSF support with lenograstim 150 microgr./m²/day was delivered after each cycle of chemotherapy. Response was assessed every 6 weeks, according to RECIST. The primary endpoint w...