Effects of Panitumumab in Relapsed or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer with Negative p16 HPV

Effects of Panitumumab (Vectibix): A New Treatment Option for Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a type of cancer that affects the tissues in or around the mouth, nose, and throat. Risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus infection increase the likelihood of developing this cancer. Head and neck cancer symptoms include neck swelling, voice changes, bleeding, swallowing problems, and non-healing wounds.

Early Detection and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Early detection of head and neck cancer is crucial for effective treatment. If diagnosed early, this type of cancer can be treated successfully. However, treatment options for patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer are limited, searching for new and effective treatments is a priority.

Panitumumab (Vectibix) for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Panitumumab (Vectibix®) is a promising new option in cancer treatment. It targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein found on the surface of cancer cells, inhibiting their development and survival. Early research suggests panitumumab may benefit patients with recurrent metastatic head and neck cancer.

Panitumumab Combined with Cisplatin/Fluorouracil

A study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of panitumumab in combination with cisplatin/fluorouracil (5-FU) for treating metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer patients. In the study, 657 patients from 26 countries participated. Panitumumab was added to the cisplatin/5-FU combination for some patients, while others received only cisplatin/5-FU. The study's primary endpoint was life expectancy.

Panitumumab Extends Life Expectancy and Controls Disease

The study results showed that panitumumab and cisplatin/5-FU extended the average life expectancy by 11.1 months, compared to 9 months in the control group. Treatment with panitumumab also extended the time to control the disease by 5.8 months, compared to 4.6 months in the control group. In patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer who were p16 HPV-negative, the average life expectancy was significantly prolonged using panitumumab. However, there was no significant difference in the average life expectancy between p16 HPV-positive patients given panitumumab and those in the control group.

Side Effects and Risks

The most common side effects of panitumumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer are skin or eye toxicity, low potassium and magnesium levels, diarrhea, and dehydration. The treatment-related risk to life was 4% in patients using panitumumab and 2% in the control group.