Elevated basal antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression predict favourable outcome in patients with …

Background Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) may contribute to the antitumor activity of cetuximab. However, the extent of this contribution is unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of baseline ADCC on the outcome of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy. Methods We determined baseline ADCC in 28 patients treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy and in 15 patients treated with chemoradiation. We linked the values observed with complete response and with overall survival. We also considered the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and studied the combined effect of EGFR and ADCC. Results We observed a wide range of baseline values of ADCC. Complete response did not correlate with either …