Study summary
Adding cetuximab to radiation after surgery delayed recurrence but did not clearly extend life
71.7% vs 63.6%free of disease at 5 years, with vs without cetuximab
What was tested
Cetuximab, an antibody against EGFR, added to radiation after surgery, against radiation alone, for intermediate-risk head and neck cancer; 64% had mouth cancer.
What they found
- At 5 years, 71.7% with cetuximab and 63.6% without were free of disease.
- Overall survival was not significantly different (76.5% vs 68.7%).
- The benefit was seen only in HPV-negative cancers, which includes most mouth cancers.
- Severe short-term side effects were more common: 70.3% vs 39.7%, mostly skin and mouth.
What it means
A reasonable option for some people after surgery. A newer trial is testing cetuximab with standard care in this setting.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team.
Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.