Toxicity Assessment of Afatinib as Subsequent Line Therapy after Disease Progression On or After Platinum based Therapy in Recurrent, Unresectable, Locally Advanced or Metastatic HNSCC Patients - Retrospective Observational Study

Dr. Yashashree Limje, Dr. Praghnya Tejale, Dr. Ashok Kumar Diwan, Dr. Vijay Kumar Mahobia

Abstract: Background: Patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous - cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) progressing after Platinum based regimens have a poor prognosis and few treatment options. Afatinib is an irreversible ERBB family blocker, has shown efficacy in this setting. Objective: To assess the toxicity profile, safety and progression free survival of Afatinib in patients with recurrent, unresectable or metastatic or progressing on Platinum based therapy in squamous - cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care center in Central India.50 HNSCC patients with recurrent, unresectable or metastatic cancer were continued until progression or development of unacceptable adverse events. Results: The study showed that half of the patients remained progression - free at the last follow - up. The most common grade 3 adverse events (AE) were diarrhoea (8%) and fatigue (2%). Most of the adverse events were restricted to Grade 1 and Grade 2. Conclusion: Afatinib showed predictable toxicity in squamous - cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC0 patients and are manageable with appropriate dose adjustments. Afatinib is an effective alternative post platinum failure with appropriate monitoring and have longer progression free survival.

Keywords: HNSCC, Afatinib, metastatic, unresectable, platinum - based therapy

How to Cite?: Dr. Yashashree Limje, Dr. Praghnya Tejale, Dr. Ashok Kumar Diwan, Dr. Vijay Kumar Mahobia, "Toxicity Assessment of Afatinib as Subsequent Line Therapy after Disease Progression On or After Platinum based Therapy in Recurrent, Unresectable, Locally Advanced or Metastatic HNSCC Patients - Retrospective Observational Study", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 861-867, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25710222651, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25710222651