Induction chemotherapy is gaining momentum in the management of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-FU (TPF) was superior compared with PF in a Phase III clinical trials73,74. We have completed a Phase II clinical trial that showed that docetaxel, cisplatin, and cetuximab (TPE) is highly active and well tolerated as induction chemotherapy in SCCHN (Argiris et al. ASCO 2008; A6002). Preliminary survival results are very encouraging. 39 patients were enrolled and with median follow up 26 months the 2-year PFS was 70% and the 2-year OS 84%.The combination of chemotherapy plus cetuximab is already a standard treatment in recurrent or metastatic SCCHN47. Therefore, TPE can be used as the platform for the addition of novel agents.