Definitive radiation with concurrent cetuximab vs. radiation with or without concurrent cytotoxic chemotherapy in older patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and …

ObjectiveTo evaluate OS and toxicity after definitive radiation with concurrent cetuximab (CTX-RT) compared to radiation with concurrent cytotoxic chemotherapy (CRT) in older HNSCC patients via the SEER-Medicare linked database.Materials and MethodsWe used the SEER-Medicare linked database to evaluate OS in HNSCC patients (Oropharynx, Larynx, Hypopharynx, Nasopharynx) diagnosed over 2005–2011, following FDA approval of cetuximab in combination with radiation therapy (RT) in March 2006.Results2135 beneficiaries were identified. Median age was 73 (66–104) years. Primary was oropharynx (61%), hypopharynx (15%), nasopharynx (5%), and larynx (19%). CRT was platinum based in 82% of patients. CTX-RT was associated with worse OS compared to CRT (P < 0.005), and similar OS to RT (P = 0.21); 5-year OS was 46% for CRT, 35% for CTX-RT, 32% for RT. Patients were more likely …