Cetuximab as primary treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to the neck

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastatic to lymph nodes is commonly treated with surgery plus radiotherapy. METHODS: We present the case of a 92-year-old man with cutaneous SCC metastatic to the neck (7 cm) who was treated with primary cetuximab and has had a durable complete response for 7 months. Because of his age, comorbidities, and unresectable neck lymphadenopathy, he received primary cetuximab. He received a 400 mg/m(2) loading dose and a 250 mg/m(2) weekly dose for 3 months and then had to discontinue as a result of other unrelated medical issues. RESULTS: The patient had a complete response by 6 weeks. Seven months after discontinuing cetuximab, he continues to have a complete response. CONCLUSIONS: Primary cetuximab for cutaneous SCC metastatic to lymph nodes is an area that bears further investigation because of its apparent efficacy and excellent toxicity profile.