Head and Neck Cancer Drug Expanded Approval

Hello, Friends.

Today the FDA approved a new use for a common treatment for head and neck cancers. The FDA approved the use of cetuximab to be given with platinum-based chemotherapy and 5-FU for the first line treatment of advanced or metastatic head and neck cancer.

Cetuximab had previously been approved for use with radiation to battle localized head and neck cancer. It had also been approved for use by itself in metastatic head and neck cancer. 

But now a new study found that if it is given with two chemotherapy drugs right from the start of the treatment for advanced or metastatic head and neck cancer patients, then patients do better. The addition of cetuximab almost doubled the chance of the cancer substantially shrinking to the therapy. More importantly the average survival time improved by 36%!

It is so gratifying to see better treatments for patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Let's continue to build on smart drug development and design and getting these better drugs to the right patients at the right time!!

Best Regards Always,

Mitch