Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy with taxotere and cisplatin in head and neck cancer: a feasibility study.

Background: For many years surgery was the cornerstone of treatment for head and neck cancers and radiotherapy was the treatment of choice in adjuvant and advanced inoperable settings. Recently, induction sequential chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy has shown good tolerability and has prolonged the median overall survival. This phase II trial explored the feasibility of the concurrent association with radiotherapy of a full-dose chemotherapy based on an original schedule of docetaxel and cisplatin.

Patients and methods: Twenty-four patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were enrolled. Taxotere (docetaxel) was administered on day 1, weekly for 6 weeks. The dose was 33 mg/m2 /w. Cisplatin was administered on day 2 at the dose of 70 mg/m2. Radiotherapy delivered was 60 Gy divided in 30 administrations over 6 weeks.

Results and conclusion: This schedule of treatment for HNSCC proved feasible. Appropriate support treatment, however, appears to be necessary for the feasibility of this concurrent chemo-radiotherapy.