Efficacy and safety of cetuximab sarotalocan in recurrent/locally advanced head-and-neck cancer: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Head-and-neck cancers (HNCs) are the sixth most common cancer in the world and account for 30% of all cancers in India. The emergence of monoclonal antibodies has significantly improved the outcomes of advanced HNC. Sometimes, these antibodies lack the required potency against cancer cells and added measures are needed. RM 1929 (cetuximab sarotalocan), a near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, is one of the upcoming treatment modalities that is being widely studied in recurrent HNC. It is currently approved for treatment in Japan. In this review article, we have studied various clinical trials and case reports to assess the efficacy and safety of cetuximab sarotalocan. All clinical trials examined in this article demonstrated positive clinical outcomes. Pain at the postoperative site was the most common complication; however, there was no impact on the quality of life of these patients. At present, a global phase III trial is ongoing where ASP 1929 (cetuximab sarotalocan) is being compared with the physician’s choice of treatment and is expected to conclude in the second half of 2024. This article is a brief review of this new therapy with currently available efficacy data.