Efficacy of Cetuximab in Laryngeal Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

Laryngeal cancer, predominantly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), poses considerable morbidity and mortality risks, particularly when diagnosed at advanced stages. Traditional treatment modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, frequently yield unsatisfactory results, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Cetuximab (Erbitux), an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review aims to systematically assess the available evidence on the efficacy of cetuximab specifically in treating laryngeal cancer. Method: This study is based on PRISMA guidelines. To conduct this review, we performed a comprehensive search of pertinent databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Web of Science with the keyword “Laryngeal Cancers ”, “Larynx Neoplasm”, “Larynx Cancer”, “Erbitux”, “Cetuximab” and “Targeted Therapy” until October ۲۰۲۳. There was no language restriction. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and observational studies focusing on cetuximab use in laryngeal cancer, and book chapters, conference abstracts, theses, press articles, narratives, and systematic reviews were excluded. Data on patient demographics, treatment protocols, survival outcomes, and response rates were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of ۲۵ studies were reviewed, and ۱۰ studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, several RCTs demonstrated that cetuximab, combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced laryngeal SCC. In the context of recurrent or metastatic disease, cetuximab has shown efficacy as a monotherapy and in combination with other agents such as platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the adverse effects associated with cetuximab, including skin rash and hypomagnesemia, necessitate careful patient selection and monitoring. Conclusion: Cetuximab presents a potentially effective treatment option for laryngeal cancer, particularly in conjunction with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. As the understanding of its clinical efficacy evolves, further investigations into biomarkers and combinatorial approaches will be paramount in optimizing treatment strategies for laryngeal cancer patients. Future studies should aim to address the long-term effects of cetuximab on quality of life, thereby informing clinical practice and enhancing patient care. Future studies with larger sample sizes and standardized diagnostic methods are needed to clarify the precise efficacy of Cetuximab in Laryngeal Cancer treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Laryngeal Cancers ، Larynx Neoplasm ، Larynx Cancer ، Erbitux ، Cetuximab