Management of dermatitis in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving cetuximab and radiotherapy

Abstract

Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is generally managed with a combination of surgery, RT, and/or chemotherapy or cetuximab. Appropriate management of radiation dermatitis associated with cetuximab and radiotherapy is necessary to allow adequate drug administration and to improve the quality of life and outcome. We generate a recommendation for radiation dermatitis on the basis of a systematic revision of the literature. Radiation dermatitis is experienced by the majority of patients undergoing radiotherapy for HNSCC, generally being mild to moderate (grades 1-2), showing about 25% severe toxicity (grade ≥ 3). Recommendations for prophylaxis and therapeutic interventions for each type of toxicity were proposed. This paper reviews comprehensive consensus guidelines to help manage the radiation dermatitis in order to make an optimal use of available therapeutic arsenal.