Docetaxel in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

Abstract

Single-agent docetaxel induces a response in 21-42% of patients with recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN). When used in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), response rates (RRs) of between 24 and 27% have been reported. In contrast, in combination with cisplatin, docetaxel has achieved a RR of 33% in previously treated patients and 86% in a subgroup of chemotherapy-naive advanced stage patients. The docetaxel/cisplatin combination appears to be highly active. High-dose induction chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced but potentially curable SCCHN is producing promising results: following combination therapy involving docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-FU and leucovorin (TPFL), RR are high and 75% of patients are alive at 2 years. Intermediate-dose induction chemotherapy involving docetaxel is also promising: the TAX 708 trial found an excellent 93% RR in 41 evaluable patients treated with docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5-FU (TPF). The rate of pathological complete response was also high. The toxicities with TPF therapy were similar to those seen with cisplatin/5-FU regimens without docetaxel. A phase III trial of this approach is currently being conducted.

• Authors: M R Posner
• Journal: Anti-cancer drugs (Anticancer Drugs) Vol. 12 Suppl 1 Pg. S21-4 (Feb 2001) ISSN: 0959-4973 [Print] England
• PMID: 11340900 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Taxoids
• Docetaxel
• Paclitaxel

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (drug therapy)
• Docetaxel
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Paclitaxel (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Taxoids