Induction Chemotherapy of Docetaxel and Cisplatin for the Elderly Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.
- Author:
Young Jin CHOI
1
;
Jooseop CHUNG
;
Ho Jin SHIN
;
Goon Jae CHO
;
Soo Geun WANG
;
Byung Joo LEE
;
Byung Mann CHO
;
Dong Won KIM
;
Hak Jin KIM
;
Won Sik LEE
;
Young Don JOO
;
Chang Hak SOHN
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicnce, Korea. hemon@pusan.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Docetaxel;
Cisplatin;
Head and neck cancer;
Induction chemtherapy
- MeSH:
Aged*;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell*;
Chemoradiotherapy;
Cisplatin*;
Dermatitis;
Drug Therapy;
Drug Therapy, Combination;
Febrile Neutropenia;
Follow-Up Studies;
Head and Neck Neoplasms;
Head*;
Humans;
Induction Chemotherapy*;
Mucositis;
Neck*;
Neutropenia;
Prospective Studies;
Radiotherapy;
Survival Rate
- From:Cancer Research and Treatment
2007;39(1):1-5
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Although concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has been considered as a standard treatment for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), this treament is associated with increased toxicities such as mucositis and dermatitis. As a result, the dose intensity can be reduced and interruptions of radiotherapy are more common for CCRT than for sequential treatment, especially for the elderly patients. This prospective study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety profiles of the induction chemotherapy of docetaxel and cisplatin for elderly patients with locally advanced SCCHN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients over 65 years of age with locally advanced SCCHN were treated with docetaxel (70 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (75 mg/m(2)) every 21 days. The chemotherapy consisted of two cycles with a third cycle that was administered to the responding patients. Patients who did not respond to initial chemotherapy underwent radiotherapy as a definitive local treatment. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled in this study and 44 patients were assessable for response and toxicity. The overall response rate was 88%, 16 patients (36%) achieved a complete response and 23 patients (52%) achieved a partial response. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range: 9~38 months) the median disease free period and overall survival period had not yet been reached. The one year and two year survival rates were 89% and 70%, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse event was neutropenia, which occurred in 33 patients (75%) and 4 patients had febrile neutropenia. CONCLUSION: Combination chemotherapy of docetaxel and cisplatin is an effective regimen with an acceptable safety profile as the induction treatment for elderly patients suffering with SCCHN.
