[Weekly docetaxel treatment for head and neck cancer].

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly docetaxel(DOC) treatment for head and neck cancer as compared with those of 3-weekly DOC treatment at 60 mg/m(2). Weekly DOC was administered at doses ranging from 25-30 mg/m(2)/wk (mean dosage, 40 mg/body/wk) for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week rest or for 6 weeks followed by a 2-week rest. Weekly DOC was administered to 18 patients (1 of whom received prior chemotherapy), and 3-weekly DOC was administered to 29 patients (10 of whom received prior chemotherapy). The overall response rate was 22.2% in the weekly DOC group and 47.8% in the 3-weekly DOC group. In advanced or recurrent cancer, the overall response rate plus long NC (stable disease for at least 6 months) rate was 40.0% in the weekly DOC group, and 42.9% in the 3-weekly DOC group. Only 1 (5.6%) case of grade 3 mucositis developed in the group receiving weekly DOC, while 12 cases of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (41.4%) and 2 of grade 3 or 4 thrombopenia (6.9%) developed in the 3-weekly DOC group. Based on these results, weekly DOC treatment appears to be useful and feasible for outpatients with head and neck cancer, even in high-risk and elderly patients.

• Authors: Hideyuki Okamoto, Katsunari Yane, Toshiaki Yamanaka, Takehiko Fukuda, Hiroshi Hosoi
• Journal: Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy (Gan To Kagaku Ryoho) Vol. 32 Issue 12 Pg. 1915-8 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0385-0684 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 16282726 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Taxoids
• Docetaxel

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Docetaxel
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mucositis (chemically induced)
• Neutropenia (chemically induced)
• Taxoids (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Thrombocytopenia (chemically induced)