cetuximab + paclitaxel + cisplatin

Cetuximab + paclitaxel + cisplatin is a combination regimen of three anticancer drugs used primarily in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), inhibiting its activation and downstream signaling, which leads to reduced tumor cell proliferation. Paclitaxel is a small molecule chemotherapeutic agent that stabilizes microtubules, thereby inhibiting mitosis and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that forms DNA crosslinks, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis. This combination has been studied as first-line therapy for HNSCC, with evidence suggesting improved response rates compared to two-drug regimens[2][3].