Mike -- I had a lengthy discussion with my medical oncologist about Erbitux vs. Cisplatin, as well as a long discussion with the chief oncological pharmacist, who happens to be a family friend.

Both can be effective treatments, and their usage depends upon institutional choice and personal preference. Erbitux does not have the track record yet to indicate whether or not it is superior to a Cisplatin/Radiation treatment protocol. Some studies suggest that it may be more effective for recurrence. My cancer center prefers to use Cisplatin for treatment during the primary regimen, reserving Erbitux for recurrence, where possible.

Other things can dictate one over the other. Some patients react badly to Cisplatin, but not Erbitux. Erbitux has less of an effect on the white blood cell count, but has other side effects, such as the rash, which some find more or less objectionable.

The studies on Erbitux at this point are promising, but by no means dispositive, which can cause many places to shy away from it in primary treatment, particularly when Cisplatin/IMRT studies are increasingly positive as studies begin to include more current patient populations.

One is no more aggressive than the other, in the true sense of the term.

I am 3 weeks out from having aggressive IMRT/Cisplatin treatment, and am clinically free of disease at this point. Good luck with the rest of your treatment protocol.