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Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie 6/2012

01-06-2012 | Case study

Relapsing high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Long-lasting complete response following reirradiation and EGFR blockade

Authors: Dr. D. Milanovic, B. Jeremic, G. Kayser, H.C. Rischke, J. Pfeiffer, A. Henke

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 6/2012

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Abstract

Background and purpose

The treatment strategy for inoperable recurrent mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is not well established. Here, we present a case of a relapsed high grade MEC of the salivary glands of the hard palate that was successfully treated with a reirradiation (re-RT) and cetuximab, an antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Case report

Twelve years after resection and adjuvant radiotherapy for high grade MEC of the salivary glands, a patient presented with inoperable recurrent disease. She received another 59.4 Gy. In addition, 400 mg/m2 cetuximab was administered in the first week, followed by six additional weekly courses at 250 mg/m2.

Results

Treatment was well tolerated. The patient is doing well and continuous radiological complete response (CR) is documented for 25 months after completion of the combined treatment.

Conclusion

Combined re-RT and targeted inhibition of EGFR with cetuximab may be a valuable therapeutic strategy in patients with recurrent localized high grade MEC who are not candidates for radical surgery.
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Metadata
Title
Relapsing high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Long-lasting complete response following reirradiation and EGFR blockade
Authors
Dr. D. Milanovic
B. Jeremic
G. Kayser
H.C. Rischke
J. Pfeiffer
A. Henke
Publication date
01-06-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-012-0096-1

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