Phase II study of erlotinib and docetaxel with concurrent intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy and toxicities of concurrent erlotinib and docetaxel with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods: Patients received daily erlotinib for 2 weeks, followed by daily IMRT with concurrent weekly docetaxel and daily erlotinib, followed by daily erlotinib for up to 2 years. The primary objective was disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary objectives included overall survival (OS), patterns of failure, and toxicities. Forty-three patients were recruited for this study.

Results: With a median follow-up of 48.7 months, the 3-year DFS, OS, locoregional failure-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival was 69.5%, 81%, 82.4%, and 83.7%, respectively. The most common grade III/IV local toxicities were dysphagia, dermatitis, and mucositis. Patients with p16-positive tumors had significantly better outcomes.

Conclusion: The regimen is tolerable and effective. It is worthy of further investigation in selected patients and may be useful in patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1770-E1776, 2016.