Erbitux, originally used for colorectal cancer, was found to be ineffective in 40 percent of the patients due to a mutated KRAS gene. For colorectal, they now do a biomerker marker test before using to see if a person has the mutated gene or wild type (normal) KRAS gene, which seems Erbitux works with, and even insurance can deny use based on mutation. They do not do the biomarker for Head and Neck Cancer, and say, and I was told, it doesn't apply for HNC. Charm had ascertained Erbitux did not work in 5% of HNC. Also interesting is a large percentage of the mutations appear to be in the Southern belt area. I read one suggestion having to do with sun exposure, but haven't read further about that.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs