Head and neck tumours: cetuximab: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Head and neck tumours: cetuximab

Sample item

A 68-year-old with locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma is unfit for cisplatin with radiotherapy. Which monoclonal antibody against EGFR may be combined with radiotherapy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cetuximab

Cetuximab targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, which is overexpressed in most head and neck squamous carcinomas, and improves survival when added to radiotherapy. It causes an acneiform rash and infusion reactions. For HPV-positive disease cisplatin remains superior.

Option by option

  • A. Bevacizumab

    Bevacizumab targets VEGF.

  • B. Rituximab

    Rituximab targets CD20.

  • C. Trastuzumab

    Trastuzumab targets HER2.

  • D. Cetuximab (correct)

    Correct. It is an anti-EGFR antibody.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Cetuximab. Cetuximab targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, which is overexpressed in most head and neck squamous carcinomas, and improves survival when added to radiotherapy.

Why is "Bevacizumab" not the answer?

Bevacizumab targets VEGF.

Why is "Rituximab" not the answer?

Rituximab targets CD20.

Why is "Trastuzumab" not the answer?

Trastuzumab targets HER2.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: cetuximab in ENT. It causes an acneiform rash and infusion reactions. For HPV-positive disease cisplatin remains superior.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck tumours: cetuximab?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.