My husband has a t1 base of tongue cancer with 2 lymph nodes in his neck. He had no symptoms outside of the lymph nodes. His lymph nodes showed poorly differentiated SCC. The source cancer biopsy came back as moderately differentiated. On Friday he will do his simulation for radiation therapy and today we had our chemo consult. We were surprised and overwhelmed that we had options on the chemo front. Here is what they are:

1. 3 treatments of Cisplatin (which we understand is the gold standard for chemo for oral cancer patients) with potentially very strong side effects.

2. Weekly treatments of Cetuximab which is a newer option for treating oral cancer. Long term results less known. Side effects much less severe.

3. Participation in a drug study (RTOG0522) in which he would be put in one of two groups. One would get Cisplatin. The other group would receive both Cisplatin and Cetuximab.

4. Participation in a drug study (RTOG0435) which he would receive Cisplatin and either a placebo or the drug Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF). KGF is showing positive signs for reducing the severe mucasitis that comes with the radiation treatment.

We are leaning towards option 4, but would like feedback from anyone who can help us. As with every appointment since we received this surprising diagnosis, we are overwhelmed...even though our treatment team spends so much time and patience with us explaining options.

We welcome any feedback or thoughts from a patient/caregiver perspective.

Kindest Regards,

Margaret