AIMS

To compare the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) followed by radiation with that of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a group of patients receiving induction chemotherapy followed by radiation, 15 patients received two cycles of chemotherapy with docetaxel 60 mg/m2, cisplatin 70 mg/m2 and 5-day 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 750 mg/m2/day. Radiotherapy was begun 21 days after completing chemotherapy. In the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 19 patients received two cycles of chemotherapy with docetaxel 50 mg/m2, cisplatin 60 mg/m2, and 5-day 5-FU 600 mg/m2/day. Radiation was begun on the first day of chemotherapy. The total radiation dose was between 63 and 74 Gy.

RESULTS

Overall response rate (partial and complete response--both 100%) and complete response rate (87% and 84%) were similar, but, in overall survival, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF was better than induction chemotherapy with TPF followed by radiation. Mucositis and anaemia were more frequent in the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, but the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF improved overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a small non-randomised comparison. The effectiveness of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TPF was better than that of induction chemotherapy with TPF followed by radiation.