The Addition of Docetaxel to Platinum Based Concurrent Chemoradiation Improves the Response and Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Phase II Study
Objectives: We aimed from the current study to explore the added benefits of docetaxel to platinum based CCRT in locally advanced HNSCC regarding response rates, locoregional control (LRC), progression free survival (PFS).
Methods: Cisplatin 80 mg/m2 was given on days 1, 22, 45 of radiotherapy. Weekly docetaxel 20 mg/m2 without cisplatin and 15 mg/m2 with cisplatin. 3DCRT was given using linear accelerator (Varian Clinac DMX) with multiple X-ray energies 6, 10, 12, & 15 MV.
Results: 41 patients were recruited in this study, complete response at primary and regional sites were developed in 75.5% and 85.4% respectively, pathologic complete response was found in 65.9%, the median progression free survival for all patients was 12 months, however for surviving patients up to end of study was not reached and the mean was 22.6 months, locoregional control (LRC) was 97.6%, one-year LRC was 63.4%, regional response was the independent prognostic factor for progression free survival (p<0.001, HR=11.84 (3.2-44.39)).
Conclusion: Intensification of treatment for inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck is a target for different clinical trials, the current protocol is associated with high response rate, improved survival than standard treatment approaches with controllable side effects.
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