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Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma recurrent or metastatic cARBOplatin fluorouracil and cetuximab

 Fluoropyrimidine overdose or overexposure:

Fluoropyrimidine overdose or overexposure may result in severe or life-threatening toxicity. An antidote is available and is highly effective if given within 96 hours.  Read more about Fluoropyrimidine overdose or overexposure.

Head and neck cancer treatment is complex and combined modality therapy is common; the involvement of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the initial development and ongoing evaluation of the treatment plan, and the management of the sequelae associated with treatment is recommended.

Check for clinical trials in this patient group. Link to Australian Clinical Trials website

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Cycle 1

Drug Dose Route Day
Cetuximab 400 mg/m2 IV infusion 1
cARBOplatin 5 AUC * IV infusion 1
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day) CIV 1
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 IV infusion 8 and 15

Cycle 2 and further cycles

Drug Dose Route Day
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 IV infusion 1, 8, 15
cARBOplatin 5 AUC * IV infusion 1
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day) CIV 1

*if estimated GFR is 125 mL/min (i.e. AUC 5 dose > 750 mg), obtaining direct measurement rather than an estimated renal function and/or dose capping is strongly recommended

Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
up to 6 cycles in responding patients and consider maintenance cetuximab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Drug status:

Carboplatin and fluorouracil are on the PBS general schedule

Cetuximab :TGA registered but not PBS listed for this indication

Cost:
~ $4,720 "How this cost is calculated"

The cost displayed on the protocol is intended as rudimentary guide only for the Australian context.

The cost includes antineoplastic drugs only (not antiemetics or other supportive medications), unless otherwise indicated.

Drug unit costs are taken directly from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website (www.pbs.gov.au), MIMS Online and other sources. These costs are reviewed and updated on eviQ at 6 monthly intervals.

Where there are differing unit costs based on vial sizes and tablet strengths, the mean unit cost is used. The cost of oral continuous therapy is based on 28 day month.

The protocol cost is derived from drug dose calculations based upon a default body surface area (BSA) of 1.8 m2; weight of 75 kg; and creatinine clearance of 75 mL/min.

One off loading doses are not included in protocol cost calculations.

The cost displayed is the actual drug cost and does not necessarily reflect the cost incurred by the patient as many antineoplastic drugs are reimbursed on the PBS.

The supportive therapies (e.g. antiemetics, premedications, etc.), infusion times, diluents, volumes and routes of administration, if included, are listed as defaults. They may vary between institutions and can be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy.

Antiemetics if included in the treatment schedule are based upon recommendations from national and international guidelines. These are defaults only and may be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy. Select here for recommended doses of alternative antiemetics.

Cycle 1

Day 1
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 12 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 400 mg/m2 (IV infusion) over 2 hours

(loading dose)
Netupitant 300 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with palonosetron) 
Palonosetron 0.5 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with netupitant)
cARBOplatin 5 AUC (IV infusion) in 500 mL glucose 5% over 30 to 60 minutes (if estimated GFR is 125 mL/min (i.e. AUC 5 dose > 750 mg), obtaining direct measurement rather than an estimated renal function and/or dose capping is strongly recommended)
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (CIV) via ambulatory infusion pump over 96 hours (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day)
Day 2 and 3
Dexamethasone 8 mg (PO) ONCE a day (or in divided doses) with or after food. Note: dexamethasone doses on day 2 and 3 may not be required and may be reduced or omitted at the clinicians discretion *
Day 8 and 15
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 4 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (IV infusion)

over 60 minutes

Cycle 2 and further cycles

Day 1
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 12 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (IV infusion)

over 60 minutes
Netupitant 300 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with palonosetron) 
Palonosetron 0.5 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with netupitant)
cARBOplatin 5 AUC (IV infusion) in 500 mL glucose 5% over 30 to 60 minutes (if estimated GFR is 125 mL/min (i.e. AUC 5 dose > 750 mg), obtaining direct measurement rather than an estimated renal function and/or dose capping is strongly recommended)
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (CIV) via ambulatory infusion pump over 96 hours (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day)
Day 2 and 3
Dexamethasone 8 mg (PO) ONCE a day (or in divided doses) with or after food. Note: dexamethasone doses on day 2 and 3 may not be required and may be reduced or omitted at the clinicians discretion *
Day 8 and 15
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 4 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (IV infusion)

over 60 minutes

* Link to ID 7 Prevention of antineoplastic induced nausea and vomiting

Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
up to 6 cycles in responding patients and consider maintenance cetuximab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Cycle 1

Drug Dose Route Day
Cetuximab 400 mg/m2 IV infusion 1
cARBOplatin 5 AUC * IV infusion 1
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day) CIV 1
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 IV infusion 8 and 15

Cycle 2 and further cycles

Drug Dose Route Day
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 IV infusion 1, 8, 15
cARBOplatin 5 AUC * IV infusion 1
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day) CIV 1

*if estimated GFR is 125 mL/min (i.e. AUC 5 dose > 750 mg), obtaining direct measurement rather than an estimated renal function and/or dose capping is strongly recommended

Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
up to 6 cycles in responding patients and consider maintenance cetuximab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Drug status:

Carboplatin and fluorouracil are on the PBS general schedule

Cetuximab :TGA registered but not PBS listed for this indication

Cost:
~ $4,720 "How this cost is calculated"

The cost displayed on the protocol is intended as rudimentary guide only for the Australian context.

The cost includes antineoplastic drugs only (not antiemetics or other supportive medications), unless otherwise indicated.

Drug unit costs are taken directly from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website (www.pbs.gov.au), MIMS Online and other sources. These costs are reviewed and updated on eviQ at 6 monthly intervals.

Where there are differing unit costs based on vial sizes and tablet strengths, the mean unit cost is used. The cost of oral continuous therapy is based on 28 day month.

The protocol cost is derived from drug dose calculations based upon a default body surface area (BSA) of 1.8 m2; weight of 75 kg; and creatinine clearance of 75 mL/min.

One off loading doses are not included in protocol cost calculations.

The cost displayed is the actual drug cost and does not necessarily reflect the cost incurred by the patient as many antineoplastic drugs are reimbursed on the PBS.

The supportive therapies (e.g. antiemetics, premedications, etc.), infusion times, diluents, volumes and routes of administration, if included, are listed as defaults. They may vary between institutions and can be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy.

Antiemetics if included in the treatment schedule are based upon recommendations from national and international guidelines. These are defaults only and may be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy. Select here for recommended doses of alternative antiemetics.

Cycle 1

Day 1
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 12 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 400 mg/m2 (IV infusion) over 2 hours

(loading dose)
Netupitant 300 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with palonosetron) 
Palonosetron 0.5 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with netupitant)
cARBOplatin 5 AUC (IV infusion) in 500 mL glucose 5% over 30 to 60 minutes (if estimated GFR is 125 mL/min (i.e. AUC 5 dose > 750 mg), obtaining direct measurement rather than an estimated renal function and/or dose capping is strongly recommended)
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (CIV) via ambulatory infusion pump over 96 hours (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day)
Day 2 and 3
Dexamethasone 8 mg (PO) ONCE a day (or in divided doses) with or after food. Note: dexamethasone doses on day 2 and 3 may not be required and may be reduced or omitted at the clinicians discretion *
Day 8 and 15
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 4 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (IV infusion)

over 60 minutes

Cycle 2 and further cycles

Day 1
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 12 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (IV infusion)

over 60 minutes
Netupitant 300 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with palonosetron) 
Palonosetron 0.5 mg (PO)

60 minutes before chemotherapy (fixed dose preparation with netupitant)
cARBOplatin 5 AUC (IV infusion) in 500 mL glucose 5% over 30 to 60 minutes (if estimated GFR is 125 mL/min (i.e. AUC 5 dose > 750 mg), obtaining direct measurement rather than an estimated renal function and/or dose capping is strongly recommended)
Fluorouracil 4,000 mg/m2 (CIV) via ambulatory infusion pump over 96 hours (equivalent to 1000 mg/m2/day)
Day 2 and 3
Dexamethasone 8 mg (PO) ONCE a day (or in divided doses) with or after food. Note: dexamethasone doses on day 2 and 3 may not be required and may be reduced or omitted at the clinicians discretion *
Day 8 and 15
Loratadine 10 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Dexamethasone 4 mg (PO) 60 minutes before treatment
Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 (IV infusion)

over 60 minutes

* Link to ID 7 Prevention of antineoplastic induced nausea and vomiting

Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
up to 6 cycles in responding patients and consider maintenance cetuximab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
  • Recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in reasonably fit patients with performance status 0 to 2, who cannot tolerate cisplatin
Safety alert fluoropyrimidines

Fluoropyrimidines can be administered by different routes and schedules with each method having associated increased risk of certain side effects. Fluoropyrimidine overdose or overexposure is a rare but potentially life threatening side effect of this drug class and can occur by any route of administration. An antidote is available and highly effective if given within 96 hours.

Read more about the medication safety alert for infusional fluorouracil and fluoropyrimidine overdose or overexposure
Venous access

Central venous access device (CVAD) is required to administer this treatment.

Read more about central venous access device line selection
Hypersensitivity/infusion related reaction

High risk with cetuximab.

High risk with carboplatin. Hypersensitivity risk increases with number of cycles of carboplatin.
Premedication

The product information states that premedication is required for this treatment.

Please refer to the treatment schedule for suggested premedication regimen. This may be substituted to reflect institutional policy.
Emetogenicity MODERATE

Suggested default antiemetics have been added to the treatment schedule, and may be substituted to reflect institutional policy.

Carboplatin AUC > 4 is classified by MASCC/ESMO 2016 Antiemetic Guidelines 2016 and ASCO Antiemetic Guidelines 2017 as having moderate emetogenicity. 

However, a NK1 receptor antagonist and a 5HT3 receptor antagonist in combination with dexamethasone are available on the PBS for primary prophylaxis of carboplatin induced nausea and vomiting.

Note: a steroid has been included both as an antiemetic and premedication for hypersensitivity in this protocol.

Ensure that patients also have sufficient antiemetics for breakthrough emesis:

Metoclopramide 10 mg three times a day when necessary (maximum of 30 mg/24 hours, up to 5 days) OR

Prochlorperazine 10 mg PO or 12.5 mg IV every 6 hours when necessary.

Read more about preventing antineoplastic induced nausea and vomiting
Cardiac toxicity

Cardiac toxicity is a serious complication that can occur during treatment with fluorouracil. Patients treated with fluorouracil, especially those with a prior history of cardiac disease or other risk factors, should be carefully monitored during therapy.

Read more about cardiac toxicity associated with antineoplastic agents
Acneiform rash

EGFR targeted therapies are commonly associated with acneiform rash. The rash may peak in the first 2 to 4 weeks.

Ensure advice on skin care (i.e. moisturisers) and sunscreen is provided. Prophylactic or early therapy with a tetracycline antibiotic (e.g. doxycycline) and 1% hydrocortisone cream to affected areas may be considered. Patients developing skin rash should be monitored for infectious sequelae, dose reductions and/or delay or cessation of treatment may be required.

Read more about acneiform rash associated with EGFR inhibitors
Diarrhoea

Antidiarrhoeals (e.g. loperamide) are usually prescribed with this treatment.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency

Rare, life-threatening toxicities such as mucositis, neutropenia, neurotoxicity and diarrhoea have been reported following administration of fluoropyrimidines (e.g. fluorouracil and capecitabine). Severe unexplained toxicities require investigation prior to continuing with treatment. Testing for DPD enzyme deficiency is available in Australia but not currently reimbursed.

Read more about dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency
Nutrition risk HIGH

All patients should be assessed by a dietitian prior to commencement of treatment.

Read more about COSA's evidence-based practice guidelines for the nutritional management of adult patients with head and neck cancer and Nutritional support in head and neck cancer patients
Pulmonary toxicity

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been reported in patients treated with EGFR inhibitors.

Read more about pulmonary toxicity associated with antineoplastic drugs.
Speech pathology

All head and neck patients presenting with either a swallowing and /or communication problem should be referred
Blood tests

FBC, EUC, LFT's, Ca, Mg at baseline and prior to each cycle. Recalculate carboplatin dose if significant change in weight and/or creatinine. INR as clinically indicated. Magnesium wasting syndrome is associated with this therapy and patients should be monitored for hypomagnesaemia and accompanying hypocalcaemia for up to 8 weeks after completion of treatment.
Hepatitis B screening and prophylaxis

Routine screening for HBsAg and anti-HBc is NOT usually recommended for patients receiving this treatment.

Read more about hepatitis B screening and prophylaxis in cancer patients requiring cytotoxic and/or immunosuppressive therapy
Vaccinations

Live vaccines, including BCG, MMR, zoster and varicella vaccines, are contraindicated in cancer patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and/or who have poorly controlled malignant disease.

Refer to the recommended schedule of vaccination for immunocompromised patients, as outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Effects of cancer treatment on fertility

Cancer treatment can have harmful effects on fertility and this should be discussed with all patients of reproductive age prior to commencing treatment.

Read more about the effect of cancer treatment on fertility
Blood tests

FBC, EUC, LFT's, Ca, Mg at baseline and prior to each cycle. Recalculate carboplatin dose if significant change in weight and/or creatinine. INR as clinically indicated. Magnesium wasting syndrome is associated with this therapy and patients should be monitored for hypomagnesaemia and accompanying hypocalcaemia for up to 8 weeks after completion of treatment.
Evidence for dose modifications is limited, and the recommendations made on eviQ are intended as a guide only. They are generally conservative with an emphasis on safety. Any dose modification should be based on clinical judgement, and the individual patient’s situation including but not limited to treatment intent (curative vs palliative), the antineoplastic regimen (single versus combination therapy versus chemotherapy versus immunotherapy), biology of the cancer (site, size, mutations, metastases), other treatment related side effects, additional co-morbidities, performance status and patient preferences. Suggested dose modifications are based on clinical trial findings, product information and reference committee consensus. Non-haematological gradings are based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) unless otherwise specified. Renal and hepatic dose modifications have been standardised where possible. For more information see dosing considerations & disclaimer.

Note:

  • All dose reductions are calculated as a percentage of the starting dose.
Haematological toxicity
ANC x 109/L (pre-treatment blood test) 
1.0 to less than 1.5 Refer to local institutional guidelines; it is the view of the expert clinicians that treatment should continue if patient is clinically well. 
0.5 to less than 1.0 Delay treatment until recovery
less than 0.5 Delay treatment until recovery and consider reducing carboplatin and fluorouracil by 25% for subsequent cycles
Febrile neutropenia Delay treatment until recovery and consider reducing carboplatin and fluorouracil by 25% for subsequent cycles
Platelets x 109/L (pre-treatment blood test) 
75 to less than 100  The general recommendation is to delay, however if the patient is clinically well it may be appropriate to continue treatment; refer to treating team and/or local institutional guidelines.
50 to less than 75 Delay treatment until recovery
less than 50 Delay treatment until recovery and consider reducing carboplatin and fluorouracil by 25% for subsequent cycles
Renal impairment
Creatinine clearance (mL/min)
30 to 50 Reduce fluorouracil by 25% and recalculate carboplatin dose using Calvert formula
less than 30 Reduce fluorouracil by 50% and recalculate carboplatin dose using Calvert formula based on measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or consider omitting
Hepatic impairment
Hepatic dysfunction
Mild No dose modifications necessary
Moderate Reduce fluorouracil by 25%
Severe Reduce fluorouracil by 50%
Mucositis and stomatitis
Grade 2 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or less and reduce the dose for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: No dose reduction
2nd occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil by 25%
3rd occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil by 50%
4th occurrence: Omit fluorouracil
Grade 3 or Grade 4 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or less and reduce the dose for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil by 50%
2nd occurrence: Omit fluorouracil
Diarrhoea
Grade 2 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or less and reduce doses for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: No dose reduction
2nd occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil and cetuximab by 25%
3rd occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil and cetuximab by 50%
4th occurrence: Omit fluorouracil and cetuximab
Grade 3 or Grade 4 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or less and reduce doses for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil and cetuximab by 50%
2nd occurrence: Omit fluorouracil and cetuximab
Hand foot syndrome (link to Hand foot syndrome (Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia))
Grade 2 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or less and reduce the dose for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: No dose reduction
2nd occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil by 25%
3rd occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil by 50%
4th occurrence: Omit fluorouracil
Grade 3 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or less and reduce the dose for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: Reduce fluorouracil by 50%
2nd occurrence: Omit fluorouracil
Rash acneiform
Grade 3 Delay treatment until toxicity has resolved to Grade 2 or less and reduce the dose for subsequent cycles as follows:
1st occurrence: No dose reduction
2nd occurrence: Reduce cetuximab to 200 mg/m2
3rd occurrence: Reduce cetuximab to 150 mg/m2
4th occurrence: Omit cetuximab

References & Disclaimer

Carboplatin
  Interaction Clinical management
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides, amphotericin, cisplatin, contrast dye, frusemide, NSAIDs) Additive nephrotoxicity Avoid combination or monitor renal function closely
Ototoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides, frusemide, NSAIDs) Additive ototoxicity Avoid combination or perform regular audiometric testing
Paclitaxel Administration schedule may influence the development of myelosuppression Minimise toxicity by administering paclitaxel first in regimens using the combination
Cetuximab
  Interaction Clinical management
Chemotherapeutic agents Increased incidence of specific adverse reactions when used in combination Monitor closely (e.g. for cardiac toxicity and hand-foot syndrome when combined with fluoropyrimidines; for severe diarrhoea with capecitabine and oxaliplatin)
Fluorouracil
  Interaction Clinical management
Folic acid Increased toxicity of fluorouracil due to stabilisation of its bond to thymidylate synthetase (folic acid is a precursor of folinic acid/leucovorin) Advise patients not to take folic acid supplements (inc. multivitamins) around the time of receiving treatment with fluorouracil
Metronidazole, tinidazole Increased toxicity of fluorouracil due to reduced clearance Avoid combination or monitor for fluorouracil toxicity
Warfarin and other drugs metabolised by CYP2C9 (e.g. warfarin, phenytoin etc.) Increased effect/toxicity of these drugs due to inhibition of CYP2C9 by fluorouracil resulting in reduced clearance Avoid combination or monitor for increased effect/toxicity of these drugs (e.g. for bleeding/elevated INR with warfarin, elevated phenytoin serum levels or signs of toxicity such as ataxia, tremor etc.)
NK-1 antagonist e.g. aprepitant, fosaprepitant, netupitant
  Interaction Clinical management
Dexamethasone Increased effects/toxicity of dexamethasone due to inhibition of its metabolism via CYP3A4

Reduce dose of antiemetic dexamethasone by approximately 50% when adding a NK-1 antagonist. For protocols that already recommend a NK-1 antagonist, the dose reduction of antiemetic dexamethasone has already been taken into account.

If dexamethasone is part of the chemotherapy protocol, dose reduction as per the product information is not routinely recommended in clinical practice and no additional dexamethasone is required for antiemetic cover. 
Warfarin
Reduced anticoagulant efficacy of warfarin due to increased clearance (aprepitant induces CYP2C9). *Note interaction only applicable to aprepitant/ fosaprepitant
INR should be monitored in the 2 week period, particularly at 7 to 10 days following the administration of aprepitant/ fosaprepitant
Combined oral contraceptive Reduced contraceptive effiacy due to increased clearance. *Note interaction only applicable to aprepitant/ fosaprepitant Alternative non-hormonal methods should be used during and for 1 month after stopping aprepitant/ fosaprepitant
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, rifampicin, St John’s wort etc.) Reduced efficacy of NK-1 antagonist possible due to increased clearance Avoid combination or monitor for decreased antiemetic effect. Consider using an alternative antiemetic regimen
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, clarithromycin, erythromycin, grapefruit juice, ritonavir etc.) Increased toxicity of NK-1 antagonist possible due to reduced clearance Avoid combination or monitor for increased adverse effects of NK-1 antagonist (e.g. headache, hiccups, constipation)
Drugs metabolised by CYP3A4 (e.g. etoposide, imatinib, irinotecan, midazolam, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine etc.) Increased effects/toxicity of these drugs possible due to inhibition of CYP3A4 by NK-1 antagonist Avoid combination or monitor for increased toxicity especially with orally administered drugs
General
  Interaction Clinical management
Warfarin Antineoplastic agents may alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin Monitor INR regularly and adjust warfarin dosage as appropriate; consider alternative anticoagulant (e.g. LMWH or unfractionated heparin)
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) e.g. apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran

Interaction with both CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors /inducers.

DOAC and antineoplastic levels may both be altered, possibly leading to loss of efficacy or toxicity (i.e. increased bleeding).

Apixaban: avoid concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 and P‑gp inhibitors. If treating VTE, avoid use with strong CYP3A4 and P‑gp inducers. 

Rivaroxaban: avoid concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 and P‑gp  inhibitors.

Dabigatran: avoid combination with strong P‑gp inducers and inhibitors.

If concurrent use is unavoidable, monitor closely for efficacy/toxicity of both drugs.
Digoxin Antineoplastic agents can damage the lining of the intestine; affecting the absorption of digoxin Monitor digoxin serum levels; adjust digoxin dosage as appropriate
Antiepileptics Both altered antiepileptic and antineoplastic levels may occur, possibly leading to loss of efficacy or toxicity Where concurrent use of an enzyme-inducing antiepileptic cannot be avoided, monitor antiepileptic serum levels for toxicity, as well as seizure frequency for efficacy; adjust dosage as appropriate.
Also monitor closely for efficacy of the antineoplastic therapy
Antiplatelet agents and NSAIDs Increased risk of bleeding due to treatment related thrombocytopenia Avoid or minimise combination.
If combination deemed essential, (e.g. low dose aspirin for ischaemic heart disease) monitor for signs of bleeding
Serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs e.g. paroxetine) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs e.g. venlafaxine) Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (e.g. palonosetron, ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron, dolasetron, etc.) Avoid combination.
If combination is clinically warranted, monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g. confusion, agitation, tachycardia, hyperreflexia).
For more information link to TGA Medicines Safety Update
Vaccines Diminished response to vaccines and increased risk of infection with live vaccines Live vaccines (e.g. BCG, MMR, zoster and varicella) are contraindicated in patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Use with caution in patients on non-immunosuppressive therapy.
For more information; refer to the recommended schedule of vaccination for cancer patients, as outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook

Day 1

Approximate treatment time: 3 to 4 hours 

General patient assessment prior to each day of treatment.

Any toxicity grade 2 or greater may require dose reduction, delay or omission of treatment and review by medical officer before commencing treatment.

Prime IV line(s).

Access port or CVC.

Pre treatment medication

Verify premedication taken or administer as prescribed.

Cetuximab

  • administer via IV infusion over 2 hours (loading dose only)
  • if well tolerated
    • subsequent doses over 60 minutes
    • administration rate should not exceed 10 mg/min
  • observe for hypersensitivity reaction
  • flush with ~ 50 mL of sodium chloride 0.9%
  • patient should be observed for an hour post infusion. If patient has a hypersensitivity reaction – stop infusion immediately. Review by medical officer; if re-challenge indicated, pre medicate patient and recommence infusion over 2 hours, then patient should be observed for an hour post infusion.

The product information recommends waiting one hour post completion of the cetuximab infusion, before commencing concomitant chemotherapy. However, to reflect clinical practice, if no reactions are observed with the first two doses, concomitant chemotherapy may be administered immediately following cetuximab at the discretion of the treating physician.

Pre treatment medication

Verify antiemetics taken or administer as prescribed.

Carboplatin 

Administer carboplatin (irritant):
  • via IV infusion over 30 to 60 minutes
  • observe for hypersensitivity reactions
  • flush with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9%
  • hypersensitivity risk increases with number of cycles administered.
Stop infusion at first sign of reaction:
  • if symptoms are mild and resolve when infusion is stopped, consider recommencing infusion after review by medical officer at a slower rate
  • for severe reactions seek medical assistance immediately and do not restart infusion.

Fluorouracil continuous infusion

Connect pump containing fluorouracil (irritant) and administer over the correct time for the amount of drug in the pump:

  • safety alert issued for administration of infusional fluorouracil
  • verify the correct rate of infusion via the ambulatory infusion pump
  • read more information about the different ambulatory infusion pumps.

Continue safe handling precautions until 7 days after completion of drug(s)

Day 5

Approximate treatment time: 30 minutes

Safe handling and waste management

Disconnection of ambulatory infusion pump/infusor

Verify the ambulatory infusion pump/infusor is complete.

Disconnect the ambulatory infusion pump/infusor as per recommended procedure for type of pump/infusor.

Read more about ambulatory infusion pumps/infusors.

Deaccess port or CVC.

Continue safe handling precautions until 7 days after completion of drug(s)

Day 8 and 15

Approximate treatment time: 2 hours

General patient assessment prior to each day of treatment.

Any toxicity grade 2 or greater may require dose reduction, delay or omission of treatment and review by medical officer before commencing treatment.

Prime IV line(s).

Access port or CVC.

Pre treatment medication

Verify premedication taken or administer as prescribed.

Cetuximab

  • administer via IV infusion
  • if first dose was well tolerated, administer over 60 minutes
    • administration rate should not exceed 10 mg/min
  • flush with ~ 50 mL of sodium chloride 0.9%
  • observe for hypersensitivity reaction
  • If patient has a hypersensitivity reaction – stop infusion immediately. Review by medical officer; if re-challenge indicated, pre medicate patient and recommence infusion over 2 hours, then patient should be observed for an hour post infusion.

Deaccess port or CVC.

Discharge Information

Antiemetics
  • Antiemetics as prescribed.
Antidiarrhoeals
  • Antidiarrhoeals as prescribed.
Patient information
  • Ensure patient receives patient information sheet.
Infusion pumps

Antiemetics

  • antiemetics as prescribed

Medication for diarrhoea

  • anti-diarrhoeals as prescribed

The side effects listed below are not a complete list of all possible side effects for this treatment. Side effects are categorised into the approximate onset of presentation and should only be used as a guide.

Immediate (onset hours to days)
Hypersensitivity reaction

Anaphylaxis and infusion related reactions can occur with this treatment.

Read more about hypersensitivity reaction 
Nausea and vomiting

Read more about prevention of treatment induced nausea and vomiting
Taste and smell alteration

Read more about taste and smell changes
Cardiotoxicity

Coronary artery spasm is a temporary, sudden narrowing of one of the coronary arteries that may present at any time during treatment with fluoropyrimidines. It most commonly manifests as angina.

Early (onset days to weeks)
Neutropenia

Abnormally low levels of neutrophils in the blood. This increases the risk of infection. Any fever or suspicion of infection should be investigated immediately and managed aggressively. 

Read more about neutropenia
Thrombocytopenia

A reduction in the normal levels of functional platelets, increasing the risk of abnormal bleeding.  

Read more about thrombocytopenia
Oral mucositis

Erythematous and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It commonly develops following chemotherapy, radiotherapy to the head, neck or oesophagus, and high dose chemotherapy followed by a blood and marrow transplant (BMT).

Read more about oral mucositis
Diarrhoea

Read more about treatment induced diarrhoea
Anorexia

Loss of appetite accompanied by decreased food intake.

Read more about anorexia
Fatigue

Read more about fatigue
Ocular changes

Symptoms may include eye pain, blurred vision, blepharitis, uveitis, optic neuritis, tear duct stenosis, conjunctivitis, hyperlacrimation, watery or dry eyes and photophobia. 
Actinic keratoses flare

Pre-existing actinic keratoses (AKs) can become more inflamed and scaly as a result of immunosuppression. 

Read more about actinic keratoses flare
Acneiform rash

A skin rash, characterised by papules and pustules affecting the face and upper body. This is commonly associated with small molecule EGFR inhibitors and some monoclonal antibodies (e.g. cetuximab, panitumumab). 

Read more about acneiform rash associated with EGFR inhibitors
Photosensitivity

Increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light resulting in an exaggerated sunburn-like reaction accompanied by stinging sensations and urticaria.
Hypomagnesaemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia

Abnormally low levels of magnesium, potassium and calcium in the blood.
Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (PPE) - hand-foot syndrome (HFS)

Bilateral erythema, tenderness, pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, pruritus, dry rash, or moist desquamation and ulceration of the palms and soles. It is also known as hand-foot syndrome (HFS). Symptoms appear to be dose dependent and palms are affected more than soles.

Read more about hand-foot syndrome associated with chemotherapy

Late (onset weeks to months)
Anaemia

Abnormally low levels of red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin in the blood. 

Read more about anaemia
Hyperpigmentation

Darkening of an area of skin caused by the overproduction of melanin.
Abnormal hair growth

Hair may become fine, brittle and curly. Eyelashes and eyebrows may grow more quickly and become unusually long.
Paronychia

An inflammatory reaction involving the folds of the skin surrounding the fingernail.  

Read about nail toxicities
Pulmonary toxicity

Pulmonary toxicity may include damage to the lungs, airways, pleura and pulmonary circulation. 

Read more about pulmonary toxicity associated with antineoplastic drugs

The evidence for the use of this protocol comes from a randomised phase III trial reported by Vermorken et al.r Between December 2004 and December 2005, 220 patients were randomised to receive cisplatin 100 mg/m2 (or carboplatin AUC 5) plus fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2/day for 4 days every 3 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles and 222 patients were randomised to receive the same chemotherapy plus weekly cetuximab at a dose of 400 mg/m2 (loading dose) followed by 250 mg/m2 for a maximum of 6 cycles. Patients with stable disease who received chemotherapy plus cetuximab continued to receive cetuximab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 

The primary end point was overall survival and secondary end points were progression-free survival, the best overall response, disease control, the time to treatment failure, the duration of the response and safety.r​ 

Efficacy

After a median follow up of 19.1 months in the cetuximab group and 18.2 months in the chemotherapy-alone group, the median overall survival was 10.1 months in the cetuximab group and 7.4 months in the chemotherapy-alone group (HR=0.8; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.99; p=0.04).The median progression-free survival was 5.6 months in the cetuximab group and 3.3 months in the chemotherapy-alone group (HR=0.54; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.67; p<0.001).r

Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival and progression-free survivalr​

© New England Journal of Medicine 2008

Responses to treatment and survivalr​

© New England Journal of Medicine 2008

Toxicity

In general, the adverse-event profile was not affected by the addition of cetuximab with the exception of sepsis (p=0.02) and hypomagnesemia (p=0.05). Grade 3 skin reactions were seen in 9% of the patients who received cetuximab and there were six grade 3/4 infusion-related reactions among patients receiving cetuximab. 10 deaths (3 in the cetuximab group and 7 in the chemotherapy-alone group) were considered to be treatment-related.r  

Toxicityr

© N Engl J Med 2008

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21 Jan 2019

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