Differentiation of irradiation and cetuximab induced skin reactions in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer undergoing radioimmunotherapy: the HICARE protocol (Head and neck cancer: ImmunoChemo and Radiotherapy with Erbitux) -- a multicente

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Differentiation of irradiation and cetuximab induced skin reactions in patients
with locally advanced head and neck cancer undergoing radioimmunotherapy:
the HICARE protocol (Head and neck cancer: ImmunoChemo and Radiotherapy
with Erbitux) -- a multicenter phase IV trial
BMC Cancer 2013, 13:345 doi:10.1186/1471-2407-13-345
G Habl (gregor.habl@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
K Potthoff (karin.potthoff@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
MF Haefner (Matthias.haefner@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
A Abdollahi (a.amir@dkfz-heidelberg.de)
JC Hassel (jessica.hassel@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
E Boller (emil.boller@iomedico.com)
M Indorf (martin.indorf@iomedico.com)
J Debus (juergen.debus@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
ISSN 1471-2407
Article type Study protocol
Submission date 22 September 2012
Acceptance date 10 July 2013
Publication date 15 July 2013
Article URL http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/13/345
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© 2013 Habl et al.
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Differentiation of irradiation and cetuximab induced
skin reactions in patients with locally advanced head
and neck cancer undergoing radioimmunotherapy:
the HICARE protocol (Head and neck cancer:
ImmunoChemo and Radiotherapy with Erbitux) – a
multicenter phase IV trial
G Habl1*,†
*
Corresponding author
Email: gregor.habl@med.uni-heidelberg.de
K Potthoff1,†
Email: karin.potthoff@med.uni-heidelberg.de
MF Haefner1
Email: Matthias.haefner@med.uni-heidelberg.de
A Abdollahi2
Email: a.amir@dkfz-heidelberg.de
JC Hassel3
Email: jessica.hassel@med.uni-heidelberg.de
E Boller4
Email: emil.boller@iomedico.com
M Indorf4
Email: martin.indorf@iomedico.com
J Debus1
Email: juergen.debus@med.uni-heidelberg.de
1
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Heidelberg Medical Center,
Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
2
Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Ion Therapy
Center (HIT), University of Heidelberg Medical School and National Center for
Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
3
Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg Medical Center, National
Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
4
iOMEDICO AG, Freiburg, Germany
†
Equal contributors.

Abstract
Background
In order to improve the clinical outcome of patients with locally advanced squamous cell
carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCCHN) not being capable to receive platinum-based
chemoradiation, radiotherapy can be intensified by addition of cetuximab, a monoclonal
antibody that blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The radioimmunotherapy
with cetuximab is a feasible treatment option showing a favourable toxicity profile. The most
frequent side effect of radiotherapy is radiation dermatitis, the most common side effect of
treatment with cetuximab is acneiform rash. Incidence and severity of these frequent, often
overlapping and sometimes limiting skin reactions, however, are not well explored. A clinical
and molecular differentiation between radiogenic skin reactions and skin reactions caused by
cetuximab which may correlate with outcome, have never been described before.
Methods/design
The HICARE study is a national, multicenter, prospective phase IV study exploring the
different types of skin reactions that occur in patients with LASCCHN undergoing
radioimmun(chemo)therapy with the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab. 500 patients with
LASCCHN will be enrolled in 40 participating sites in Germany. Primary endpoint is the rate
of radiation dermatitis NCI CTCAE grade 3 and 4 (v. 4.02). Radioimmunotherapy will be
applied according to SmPC, i.e. cetuximab will be administered as loading dose and then
weekly during the radiotherapy. Irradiation will be applied as intensity-modulated radiation
therapy (IMRT) or 3D-dimensional radiation therapy.
Discussion
The HICARE trial is expected to be one of the largest trials ever conducted in head and neck
cancer patients. The goal of the HICARE trial is to differentiate skin reactions caused by
radiation from those caused by the monoclonal antibody cetuximab, to evaluate the incidence
and severity of these skin reactions and to correlate them with outcome parameters. Besides,
the translational research program will help to identify and confirm novel peripheral blood
based molecular predictors and surrogates for treatment response and resistance.
Trial registration
Clinical Trial Identifier: NCT01553032 (clinicaltrials.gov)
EudraCT number: 2010-019748-38
Background
Squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx are the sixth leading
cancer by incidence worldwide with more than 500000 new cases a year. At the time of
diagnosis most patients display signs and symptoms of locally advanced disease and have
lymph node metastases [1]. SCCHN is mostly caused by tobacco and alcohol consumption
and/or infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) [2]. SCCHN often

show an overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) which is described to
be associated with a poor prognosis [3-6]. Standard treatment for resectable tumors is surgery
including reconstruction plus post-operative radiotherapy and, for those patients found at
surgery to have high risk features (extracapsular extension and/or R1 resection), post-
operative chemoradiation with single agent platinum [7,8]. At present, for non-resectable
patients who can tolerate it, combined concomitant chemoradiation with platinum is the
standard treatment [9,10]. Organ-preservation protocols with combined chemoradiation
therapy and surgery for salvage are increasingly being performed. These protocols are
particularly effective for young patients with a good performance status presenting with
moderately-advanced laryngeal or pharyngeal SCC. For patients who are not capable to
receive standard platinum-based chemoradiation due to age, generally reduced condition
and/or comorbidities, e.g. heart and renal disease or cirrhosis of the liver, the treatment of
choice is radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab [7,8,11,12]. Whereas results of a standard
chemoradiation are based on thousands of patients, results of the combined
radioimmunotherapy are only based on about 200 patients in the experimental arm of the
pivotal trial [11,12]. A study comparing the standard platinum-based chemoradiation with the
novel radioimmunotherapy protocol with the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab, however, is still
missing. Hence, guidelines still recommend standard radiochemotherapy with cisplatin for
patients able to receive chemotherapy [9,10].
Cetuximab is a chimeric monoclonal IgG1 antibody specifically targeting the epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR signal cascades are involved in cell proliferation, in
cell cycle regulation, in angiogenesis, cell migration and invasion and in metastases.
Cetuximab binds to the EGFR in a 5 to 10 times higher affinity than endogen ligands leading
to a downregulation of EGFR molecules on the cell surface. Intracellular phosphorylation of
the EGFR is inhibited and consequently the down stream signalling is deficient resulting in
cell cycle arrest, increased expression of pro-apoptotic enzymes and decrease in the
production of matrix metalloproteinases. Effects of EGFR inhibition that have been described
are a reduction of cell proliferation, an inhibition of cell division processes and tumor growth
and an increase of apoptosis [13,14]. Furthermore, cetuximab treatment leads to a decrease in
the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blocking angiogenic processes
in the tumor. Cetuximab has been found to potentiate the effects of radiotherapy in
experimental systems [13-15].
Combined radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab is a well accepted treatment option in
patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCCHN) if
they are not able to receive surgery or combined radiochemotherapy due to stage, reduced
general condition and/or comorbidities. In the pivotal, international, randomized Phase III
trial of 424 patients with locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the
oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx with no prior therapy, the addition of cetuximab to
radiation when compared to radiation alone resulted in a higher response rate, a 9.5- month
improvement in median duration of locoregional control [24.4 months versus 14.9 months], a
longer disease-free survival and a 9% increase of the 5 year overall survival (OS). [11]. In
retrospective comparison with chemoradiation trials, immunoradiation with cetuximab
showed similar control rates in terms of overall survival (OS) and local control rate (LCR)
[16]. Since the radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab is a feasible treatment option that overall
shows a low incidence of systemic side effects and a favourable toxicity profile, it is
especially indicated for older patients and patients with comorbidities. Recently updated
EHNS-ESTRO-ESMO guidelines recommend radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab with a
level of evidence of II and a recommendation grade B [8].

Skin reactions are known to be the most frequent side effect of EGFR inhibitor therapy.
About 90% of patients treated with cetuximab develop an acneiform rash, but only 15% of
patients develop a grade 3 or 4 skin rash [17-20]. Besides, patients on cetuximab treatment
might develop other skin reactions like a xerosis cutis followed by a severe pruritus, hair and
nail alterations, a stomatitis and eye abnormalities. All of those skin reactions can result in
non-compliance as well as in an interruption or even discontinuation of an effective antitumor
treatment approach. Besides, patients often feel anxious related to the cosmetic appearance of
the rash and have the feeling to be stigmatized which can lead to psychosocial side effects
and can negatively affect patient quality of life [21].
The most frequently seen side effect of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer is
radiation dermatitis that occurs in approximately 90% of patients. If cetuximab is
administered simultaneously, an overlap of radiation and cetuximab induced skin reactions is
seen in the radiation field which may lead to very severe skin toxicity [22,23]. An
retrospective evaluation of acute toxicity of skin and mucosa in patients with head and neck
cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT) alone or in combination with radiotherapy plus
chemotherapy (RCT) or with cetuximab (RIT) published by Garcia-Huttenlocher et al.
showed grade 3 overall skin toxicity in 27.6% of the RIT patients compared to 0% in patients
only receiving RT and compared to 7% in patients receiving RCT [22]. Cetuximab associated
acneiform rash grade 3 was observed in 7% of the RIT patients. In this publication cetuximab
did not lead to a higher rate of RT interruptions compared to RT and RCT. Eight weeks after
RT all patients had recovered from these dermatological side effects [22]. Bonner et al.
reported on 21% of patients with grade 3/4 radiation dermatitis in the RT group. In the
radioimmunotherapy group, however, a significant increase to 35% of grade 3/4 radiation
dermatitis was observed. Since there is a discussion about a possible correlation between the
intensity of acneiform rash and the efficacy of therapy [11], Bonner et al. conducted a
subgroup analysis showing an overall survival benefit in patients developing an acneiform
rash grade 2–4 compared to patients with acneiform rash grade 0–1. Such patients survived
for a median of 69 months, whereas patients who had no reaction or only a mild rash had a
median survival of 26 months [11]. Thus, it might be possible that the acneiform rash is a
predictive biomarker for immunological response and, furthermore, that it is conductive for
optimal outcome. A similar pattern has already been shown for other types of cancer [24-26].
Vermorken and colleagues,,
however, conducted a thorough analysis of cetuximab-induced
skin reactions and acne-like rash with clinical markers of activity. Although development of
skin reactions and acne-like rash appeared to trend toward improved response and disease
control, early development of these toxicities was not associated with improved response or
overall survival [27].
Budach et al. reported on two patients who had severe radiation dermatitis while receiving
radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab [23]. Severe radiation dermatitis may occur after
irradiation alone, but grade 4 lesions are rarely observed. Coexisting conditions like
previously received chemotherapy or radiotherapy or even intensive sun exposure in the past
may predispose for aggravation of radiation and cetuximab induced skin reaktions. Liver or
renal dysfunction with possible alterations of pharmacodynamics of cetuximab may also
predispose patients to develop more severe radiation dermatitis [28]. In a retrospective survey
in EORTC institutes, the members observed that in 49% of patients treated with cetuximab
and concurrent radiotherapy developed grade 3 or 4 radiation dermatitis [29]. Hence, the
incidence of these severe skin reactions was twice as high compared to that reported by
Bonner et al. [11,12]. The real percentages of grade 3 and 4 radiation dermatitis during
combined radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab, however, have never been evaluated.

Furthermore, the differentiation between radiation dermatitis and cetuximab induced
acneiform rash seems to be important for therapeutic and prognostic reasons but has never
been explored in detail so far. Thus, a prospective, multicenter large-scaled study is
warranted to distinguish radiation dermatitis from cetuximab induced skin reactions, to
determine the real incidence of the different types of skin reactions in a large cohort of
patients, and, besides, to identify and evaluate biomarkers and surrogates correlating with
clinical efficacy and outcome.
The HICARE trial is a prospective, open phase IV trial exploring the prominent side effects
of skin toxicities of combined radioimmun(chemo)therapy with the EGFR inhibitor
cetuximab (Erbitux®) in patients with LASCCHN in great detail. The HICARE study is a
national multicenter trial in Germany, 40 centers will participate.
Methods/design
Study design
The HICARE study is designed as an open-label, prospective, multicenter, one-armed phase
IV study according to the German drug law evaluating the incidence and severity of radiation
dermatitis and acneiform rash in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer treated
with combined radioimmuno(chemo)therapy with cetuximab.
Study objectives
Primary endpoint of the study is the rate of radiation dermatitis grade 3 and 4 according to the
National Cancer Institute, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE),
version 4.02. Secondary endpoints are skin related parameters like the rate of radiation
dermatitis grade 1 and 2, the rate of cetuximab-induced acneiform rash grade 1–4, the rate of
cetuximab-induced rhagades (all grades), the rate of cetuximab-mediated nail changes (all
grades). Furthermore secondary endpoints include parameters of efficacy, i.e. objective
response rate (ORR), locoregional control rate (LCR), progression free survival (PFS),
overall survival (OS), safety parameters, i.e. the median dose density of radiation and the
safety profile of the applied radiation protocol as well as quality of life (QoL). In addition,
feasibility aspects of the treatment schedule in common routine practice and applied to
patients presenting an increased comorbidity rate compared to the study population studied in
the pivotal phase III trial will be evaluated. For translational research genomic analyses of
peripheral blood samples are carried out at several time points during the trial. The results of
the translational research will be correlated with safety parameters, clinical outcome and
quality of life.
Trial organization
The HICARE study was designed by the study initiators at the Department of Radiation
Oncology of the University of Heidelberg. It is an investigator initiated trial (IIT). The trial is
conducted as multicenter trial and 40 centers all over Germany will participate. The trial
medication cetuximab is commercially available and it will be administrated in combination
with radiotherapy as recommended by the SmPC [30}.

Coordination
The overall coordination is performed by the Department of Radiation Oncology of the
University of Heidelberg. The Department of Radiation Oncology of the University of
Heidelberg is responsible for overall trial management, trial registration, database
management, quality assurance and reporting. Biometrical data analyses are conducted by the
CRO iOMEDICO.
Investigators
The investigators are experienced oncologists, i.e. radiooncologists and medical oncologists,
specialized in treating patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. Patients will be
recruited and treated by the investigators of the 40 participating sites in Germany (see
acknowledgement).
Quality assurance
According to the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other applicable guidelines
and regulations the site monitoring will be performed by an independent monitor.
Ethics, informed consent and safety
The final protocol was approved by the leading ethics committee of the Medical Faculty of
the University of Heidelberg (AFmu-387/2010), the local ethics committee of every
participating center and the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute. The HICARE trial is registered at the
European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT-No. 2010-019748-38) and at
www.clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01553032. The HICARE study complies with the
Declaration of Helsinki in its recent German version, the Medical Association’s professional
code of conduct, the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and the Federal
Data Protection Act. The trial will also be carried out adhering to local legal and regulatory
requirements.
For each patient recruited into the study, written informed consent is essential prior to
inclusion into the study after extensive information about the intent of the study, the study
regimen, potential associated risks and side effects as well as potential alternative therapies.
The investigator will not undertake any diagnostic measures specifically required for the
clinical trial until valid consent has been obtained.
Patient selection
A total of 500 patients with locally advanced (UICC stage III, IVA or IVB), non-metastatic,
squamous cell carcinoma located in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx with
measurable disease will be included. For participation in the trial lymph node involvement is
allowed, but a spread of the tumor to other parts of the body is an exclusion criterion. Each
patient will receive the combined radioimmunotherapy as described above, i.e. radiation
therapy (IMRT or 3D-radiation) and cetuximab.
Inclusion criteria include:

• Signed written informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years of age
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG) of 0 to 2
• Life expectancy > 6 months
• Histologically confirmed locally advanced (stage III or IVA, IVB), non-metastatic
squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx (T2-
4, Nx, M0).
• Adequate bone marrow, liver and renal function according to SmPC of cetuximab
based on laboratory assessments raised within 7 days prior to start of study treatment.
• Women of childbearing potential must have had a negative serum or urine beta-HCG
pregnancy test within 7 days prior to the first administration of study treatment or
must have a documented condition that prohibits pregnancy (e.g. post-menopausal;
hysterectomy).
• Commitment to use of adequate contraception: patients enrolled in this trial must be
willing to use effective birth control measures during the course of the trial and the
subsequent 2 months
Exclusion criteria include:
• Previous radiotherapy for carcinoma of the head and neck
• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• Distant metastases
• Prior exposure to EGFR pathway targeting therapy
• Surgery within the last 30 days
• Known allergic/hypersensitivity reaction to any drug scheduled for the study
treatment
• Previous or concurrent cancer within 5 years prior to study entry that is distinct in
primary site or histology except adequately treated basal cell carcinoma or
preinvasive cervical carcinoma.
• Substance abuse, medical, psychological or social conditions that may interfere with
the patient’s participation in the study or evaluation of the study results as judged by
the investigator
• Any condition that is unstable or could jeopardise the safety of the patient and their
compliance in the study as judged by the investigator
• Legal incapacity or limited legal capacity
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women
Work-up
Routine staging includes physical examination, chest X-ray, head and neck panendoscopy
under anaesthesia, and head and neck computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) and abdominal ultrasound. All patients will be evaluated for head
and neck surgery. In case resection is either surgically or medically impossible or the patient
refuses to undergo the procedure, standard chemoradiation with carboplatin and 5-FU
(without cetuximab) will be chosen according to current guidelines. In case that primary
chemoradiation is medically impossible due to comorbidities, reduced general condition, in-
and exclusion criteria for radioimmunotherapy will be evaluated and patients will be checked
for eligibility for the HICARE trial. It is to note that a combination of the applied
radioimmunotherapy with a chemotherapy in terms of a combined
radioimmunochemotherapy (e.g. with cisplatin or carboplatin/5-FU) is not an exclusion

criteria and, if applied, will be evaluated separately. Patients previously treated with
induction chemotherapy are allowed to participate in this trial. Should a patient be eligible,
information about participation in the study including potential risks and benefits is given to
the patient. As soon as written consent is obtained, patients can be included into the trial and
the required documentation will be provided by the study center (Clinical Trial Center,
Department of Radiooncology, University of Heidelberg Medical Center).
After inclusion, for planning of the radiotherapy each patient receives a CT-scan in an
individually adjusted precision immobilization device.
If a patient refuses treatment within the HICARE trial, the same standard combined
radioimmunotherapy will be offered if chemoradiation is not applicable.
Investigational drug according to German drug law
Cetuximab (Erbitux®)
The commercial available monoclonal antibody cetuximab will be applied according to the
German SmPC [30]. Cetuximab is given with a loading dose of 400 mg/m2
of body surface as
an intravenous infusion on day 1. Subsequently, the regular weekly dose during the
radiotherapy is 250 mg/m2
of body surface on days 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43. A prophylactic
premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines is required to reduce the incidence of
infusion-related reactions such as allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.
Radiation therapy
Irradiation is applied as modern standard radiotherapy for LASCCHN, i.e. intensity
modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or 3D-conformalradiotherapy. Within the HICARE trial,
the standard radiotherapy scheme of the institution can be applied. A summary of radiation
protocols routinely used for this indication is given in Table 1. Radiation therapy can be
carried out on an outpatient basis unless the patient’s condition requires hospital admission.
Table 1 Possible radiotherapy protocols for treatment of patients with LASCCHN
according to Bonner et al. (12), plus modification for IMRT
Regime Total dose Single dose (once a day) Single dose (twice a day)
Once a day 70 Gy in 35
fractions
2 Gy/fraction;
5fractions/weekduration: 7
weeks
--
Twice a day 72-76,8 Gy in 60–
64 fractions
-- 1,2 Gy/fraction; 10 fractions/week
Duration: 6–6,5 weeks
Concomitant
boost
72 Gy in 42
fractions
32,4 Gy; 1,8 Gy/fraction; 5
fractions/week duration: 3,6
weeks
a.m.: 21,6 Gy; 1,8 Gy/fraction; 5
fractions/week Duration: 2,4 weeks p.m.:
18 Gy; 1,5 Gy/fraction; 5 fractions/week
Duration: 2,4 weeks
(helical)
IMRT
66 Gy in 30
fractions
Intergrated Boost 5 fractions
/week duration: 6 weeks
--

Supportive therapy
Antihistamines such as clemastine or dimentinden and steroids are administered
intravenously prior to the application of cetuximab according to the SMPC [30]. Skin
reactions, especially acneiform rash and xerosis cutis, are treated according to current
treatment recommendations. Whenever it is necessary, metoclopramide or 5-HT3-antagonists
are used for antiemetic treatment.
Radiation induced skin reactions are treated with mild moisturizing lotion according to in-
house protocols.
Translational research
HPV
Patients will not be selected by human papillomavirus (HPV) status, but since HPV is
increasingly being found in head and neck cancers and since there is a prognostic importance
of the HPV status [2,31-33], tumor samples will be tested for HPV status. It remains to be
seen if the particular subgroup of patients with HPV-positive tumors is the one in the
HICARE trial that may benefit more from the addition of cetuximab and may have better
outcomes than those with HPV-negative tumors.
Blood samples
For the translational research program, genomic DNA and Total-RNA (including micro
RNAs) of peripheral blood samples will be collected from each subject prior to the first
administration of cetuximab (day 1), additionally during the treatment on day 8 (prior to the
second administration of cetuximab) and on day 22 (prior to the fourth administration of
cetuximab). The goal of these studies is to identify molecular predictors of normal tissue and
tumor response to combined radioimmunotherapy using transcriptomics, microRNA or
epigenomic approaches.
Assessment of skin reactions
Skin-related toxicities like cetuximab-induced acneiform skin rash and radiation dermatitis
will be graduated by a physician in every participating center. Each week just before the
cetuximab application a photo series will be taken to get an objective measure for grading
skin toxicities. Photos will be taken with the same type of camera. These photos will be
blinded and separately reevaluated by experienced physicians authorized by the sponsor, i.e.
a radiooncologist, a medical oncologist and a dermatologist. Based on the photo
documentation it will be possible to define the correct graduation of the acute skin toxicities
and, besides, to compare them with historical data from the Bonner trial [11,12] if using NCI
CTCAE v. 4.2 and the former version 3.0 to receive this comparability with the pivotal trial
[34,35].
Quality of life assessment
Assessment of quality of life is one of the secondary objectives of the trial. The following
questionnaires will be used: EORTC QLQ-C30, the head and neck cancer-specific module

EORTC QLQ H&C as well as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The EORTC
QLQ30 is a general measure of quality of life in cancer patients, whereas the DLQI is a
specific measures 10-question validated questionnaire which is frequently been used in
dermatology. These assessments will be performed at the baseline visit, on day 22 during the
course of the treatment, within the last week of radiotherapy and at the first follow-up visit.
Safety and discontinuation of treatment
Radiotherapy-related toxicities will be assessed using the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria
(CTCAE v.4.2) and the outdated version 3.0 in order to achieve a comparison to former
studies, furthermore by duration, onset, and relationship to study treatment [34,35]. Toxicity
will be evaluated at baseline, weekly during radiation therapy (blood count, electrolytes,
chemistry, clinical examination, patient visits) and at follow-up visits. Unacceptable toxicity
is defined as unpredictable or irreversible grade 4 toxicity. Expectable possible acute
radiation-induced toxicities (up to 3 months after irradiation) comprise skin toxicity
(desquamation, epitheliolysis, edema, bleeding, necrosis, erythema, hyperpigmentation, rash,
pruritus), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, pneumonitis,
haematological toxicity including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or anaemia. Adequately
treated these symptoms could be resolved within two to three weeks. However, transient
parenteral nutrition therapy and hydration might be necessary in some patients. All acute
radiation-induced toxicities should completely resolve within a few weeks post radiation
therapy.
Cetuximab-induced adverse events are treated according to SmPC and according to current
treatment recommendations [21]. Importantly, according to SmPC cetuximab should be
delayed for up to two subsequent infusions in patients facing a grade 3 acneiform rash.
Cetuximab can be restarted after resolution of the rash to grade 2 or less. Cetuximab needs to
be delayed on a second or third occurrence of a grade 3 skin reaction for up to two
consecutive cycles and dose reduction to 200 mg/m2
or 150 mg/m2
, respectively, will be
needed. Any further occurrence of grade 3 acneiform rash will lead to discontinuation of
cetuximab treatment according to the recommendations of the SmPC.
Adverse events
Patients’ toxicities are to be classified and documented according to the NCI Common
Toxicity Criteria v. 4.2. Toxicity is documented weekly during RIT and prior to each
application of cetuximab as well as at the follow-up visit. The investigators will report all
Serious adverse events (SAE) immediately to the sponsor or his legal representative. Serious
adverse events (SAE) are any untoward medical condition that occur and result in death, are
life-threatening, require hospitalization or prolongation of existing inpatient’s hospitalization,
result in persisting or significant disability or incapability, or are a congenital abnormality of
birth defect. For all SAE, the documents and patient data must be verified by the responsible
study personnel.
Statistical considerations
The primary objective is the rate of radiation dermatitis CTC AE grade 3 and 4 and will be
calculated based on the individual events as reported by the investigators. Bonner et al. [12]
reported an incidence of radiation dermatitis of 18% for patients treated with radiotherapy
alone compared to 23% for patients treated with radiotherapy and cetuximab. Based on data

of this pivotal trial, 500 patients (with a drop-out rate of 5%) will be needed to show the 95%
confidence interval to stay within the limits of 4% uncertainty (binomial test). The sample
size is also sufficient to analyse the secondary objectives. The statistical analysis will be
carried out using the updated versions of Statistica (StatSoft Europe GmbH) and R (www.r-
project.org). Descriptive analyses will be done of all documented data. To compare the study
population of the HICARE trial with the data of the pivotal trial by Bonner et al. [11,12],
descriptive statistical methods without formal testing will be used. The analysis of the
primary objective and further safety parameters will be done with all patients who received at
least 1 dose of study medication cetuximab and at least 1 fraction of RT. Analyses of efficacy
parameters will be done by the intention to treat population. Details on the evaluation can be
found in the statistical analysis plan prepared for the study and which will be finalized and
authorized by the study biostatistician and the principal investigator prior to performing any
analysis.
Objective response evaluation
Objective response will be evaluated according to RECIST criteria v.1.01 [36].
Discussion
For patients with LASCCHN, cetuximab plus radiotherapy significantly improves overall
survival at 5 years compared with radiotherapy alone, confirming cetuximab plus
radiotherapy as an important treatment option in this group of patients [11,12]. However,
there are no data available about a formal comparison between the combination of
radiotherapy with cisplatin or cetuximab. The current guidelines still recommend using
standard radiochemotherapy in patients with LASCCHN fit enough to undergo chemotherapy
because there is no randomized, prospective trial comparing radiochemotherapy versus
immunoradiotherapy in this patient group [8,37]. Chemoradiation is known to be associated
with significant toxicities and, furthermore, its efficacy is questioned in the elderly
population. The magnitude in effect of the radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab, however, is
similar or even better than that achieved by chemoradiation and it proved to be less toxic
[8,11]. The control rates were the same in retrospective comparison with radiochemotherapy
trials [16].
For better patient selection, i.e. for definition of a patient cohort that benefits more from the
less intense and less toxic radioimmunotherapy regimen and a patient cohort that benefits
more from the more intense chemoradiation-based approach, patient characteristics including
clinical and molecular prognostic markers and predictive surrogates have to be defined.
Several clinical characteristics of patients with HNSCC have been linked to favourable
prognosis, including non-smoker, minimum exposure to alcohol, good performance status,
and absence of co-morbid disorders [38]. Several studies have shown a correlation between
genetic aberrations, i.e. a p53 mutation, and lower response rates to chemotherapy and shorter
overall survival times [39-42]. The HPV-status is associated with outcome, too [2]. To date in
LASCCHN specific genetic alterations, however, are not known [43]. Testing for genetic and
proteomic alterations in a large patient cohort may define prognostic and predictive
biomarkers that help to identify patients who are at great risk for progression or treatment
resistance and patients who might benefit most from radioimmunotherapy.

Skin reactions, the most common side effect of radiotherapy and also of anti-EGFR-treatment
strategies like cetuximab, have not been evaluated and characterized in detail. Interestingly,
almost all studies addressing EGFR-inhibitor-induced skin rash done in patients with
metastatic colorectal cancer suggest that its severity is a suitable surrogate marker for
efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy [44-47]. In patients with LASCCHN, the pivotal trial by
Bonner et al. also showed that cetuximab-treated patients with prominent cetuximab-induced
acneiform rash grade 2 or above had a better overall survival than patients with no or grade 1
rash [11]. A retrospective exploration of several trials done with panitumumab, another anti-
EGFR monoclonal antibody, confirmed an association between clinically graded skin toxicity
and patient-reported outcome, quality of life, longer progression-free survival and overall
survival [26]. Other trials in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and other solid tumors
did not show any correlation between skin rash and efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy [48].
Thus, a clinical trial is warranted in patients with LASCCHN to evaluate the efficacy and
toxicity of the radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab in a large patient cohort and to focus on
biomarker research to better select patients who might benefit better from this treatment
approach than others. .
The HICARE study will be one of the largest clinical trials ever being performed in patients
with LASCCHN. It will help to better understand the different clinical characteristics of skin
reactions induced by radiotherapy and by cetuximab treatment, to identify molecular
predictors and surrogates for treatment response and resistance and to better define a patient
population where a less toxic regimen like the radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab would
constitute the primary treatment option and other patient populations where a more intense
chemoradiation-based approach is needed.
Abbreviations
CRO, Clinical research organization; EGFR, Epidermal growth factor receptor; GCP, Good
clinical practice; Gy, Gray; RECIST, Response evaluation criteria in solid tumours; RIT,
Radioimmunotherapy; SmPC, Summary of product characteristics
Competing interest
The other authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors’ contributions
GH, KP and JD planned and coordinate the study. GH, KP, MH, JH, and JD are conducting
the study. Medical care is covered by GH, KP and MH. GH, KP and JD are responsible for
the patient recruitment. EB performed the statistical calculations and will be responsible for
the final statistical analysis. MI represents iOMEDICO AG, the CRO responsible for
document development, eCRF programming and general study logistics. All authors read and
approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements
This trial is funded in part by research grants from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Merck Serono has reviewed the publication; the views and opinions described in the
publication do not reflect those of Merck Serono.
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