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Head and neck cancer - cetuximab (TA145) |
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Cetuximab for the treatment of head and neck cancer
Cetuximab in combination with radiotherapy is recommended as a possible treatment for people with locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck if:
- they have a Karnofsky performance-status score of 90% or more, and
- all forms of platinum-based chemotherapy are considered inappropriate
Healthcare professionals should not stop prescribing cetuximab in combination with radiotherapy for people who were already receiving it when the guidance was issued, but who do not fulfil the above criteria. These patients should be able to carry on taking cetuximab until they and their healthcare professionals decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
When assessing Karnofsky performance-status score, healthcare professionals should take into account any disabilities that might affect a person?s ability to carry out daily activities.
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Other information
How this guidance was produced
Background information
This page was last updated: 12 December 2011
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Guidance formats
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Patient
The summary of the key recommendations in the guidance written for patients, carers and those with little medical knowledge and may be used in local patient information leaflets.
Quick Reference Guide
The quick reference guide presents recommendations for health professionals
NICE Guidance
The published NICE clinical guidance, contains the recommendations for health professionals and NHS bodies.
Full Guidance
The published full clinical guidance for specialists with background, evidence, recommendations and methods used.
