Phase II study of panitumumab and paclitaxel as first-line treatment in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. TTCC-2009-03/VECTITAX study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the activity and safety profile of panitumumab in combination with paclitaxel in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN. Materials and methodsThe VECTITAX phase II, open-label, multicenter study included patients with confirmed metastatic and/or recurrent SCCHN deemed to be untreatable by surgery or radiotherapy and ECOG PS=0–1. All patients received paclitaxel (80mg/m2/week) and panitumumab (6mg/kg/2weeks) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. EQ-5D-3L andvisual analogic scale (VAS) were used to evaluate impact on quality of life (QoL). ResultsThe study included 40 patients (ITT population): (median age: 61 years; 87% male). Previous treatment: 29 patients (73%) had undergone surgery, 34 (85%) had received prior radiotherapy and 23 (58%) prior systemic treatment for locally advanced disease. Confirmed response was observed in 19 patients (48%) which was a complete response in 15% of patients. Stable disease was observed in 11 patients (28%). Disease control rate was 75%. Median progression-free survival was 7.5 months (95%CI: 4.9–8.3) and median overall survival 9.9 months (95%CI: 7.9–16.3). Most frequent grade 3–4 adverse events were skin rash (25%); asthenia (17%); neurotoxicity (15%); hypomagnesemia (10%); neutropenia (10%). Permanent discontinuation of panitumumab or paclitaxel due to adverse events was required in 10 (25%) and 13 patients (33%), respectively. There was one toxic death due to febrile neutropenia. Patient-reported QoL was preserved with no decline of median VAS scores. ConclusionPanitumumab and paclitaxel is an active combination, providing promising outcomes with preservation of the QoL and a favorable safety profile. (EudraCT: 2010-018898-37; NCT01264328).