Paclitaxel in simultaneous radiochemotherapy of head and neck cancer: preclinical and clinical results.

Several studies have presented evidence that paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) displays a radiation-sensitizing effect. We therefore analyzed the influence of paclitaxel and concomitant radiation on the proliferation kinetics of head and neck tumor cells and normal fibroblasts. Our data clearly support the notion that paclitaxel given with radiation exerts an additive effect on the clonogenic survival of squamous cell carcinoma cells and normal fibroblasts. Since concomitant radiochemotherapy has proven to be beneficial for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer, we are testing the feasibility of simultaneous paclitaxel plus radiotherapy. Paclitaxel is given on a one-time weekly basis. Up to now, 13 evaluable patients have been treated, and the maximum tolerable dose has not been reached at 40 mg/m2. Mucositis is expected to be the dose-limiting toxicity.