Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Forty-five evaluable patients with primary nonmetastatic, inoperable head and neck cancers were treated. From January 1987 to April 1988, the patients were treated with cisplatin plus radiation therapy (Group 1) and from May 1988 to November 1990, they were treated with the same combination plus 5-FU, given in continuous infusion (Group 2). Clinical and pathologic responses were assessed after radiation therapy was completed. Patients who relapsed underwent salvage surgery, if possible. The disease free and overall survival rates of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall response rate (complete and partial response) was 93%, 60% of which comprised complete remissions. Despite the high response rates obtained in the two groups, the time to progression for complete responses and the median survival time were unsatisfactory (13 [Group 1] and 10 months [Group 2] and 17 [Group 1] and 16 months [Group 2], respectively). The toxicity rate from the two treatments was not relevant. A Grade II mucositis, according to the World Health Organization, was found in 25 patients, and the treatment was interrupted for 7-10 days in 5. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, despite an improvement in the number of complete responses, the chemotherapeutic regimen with or without 5-FU did not prolong the overall patient survival significantly.
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Authors | G Franchin, C Gobitti, E Minatel, L Barzan, A De Paoli, G Boz, M Mascarin, S Lamon, M G Trovò |
Journal | Cancer
(Cancer)
Vol. 75
Issue 4
Pg. 1025-9
(Feb 15 1995)
ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States |
PMID | 7842404
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(therapeutic use)
- Cisplatin
(therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease-Free Survival
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Feasibility Studies
- Female
- Fluorouracil
(therapeutic use)
- Head and Neck Neoplasms
(drug therapy, radiotherapy)
- Humans
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Survival Rate
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