High-dose cisplatin as neoadjuvant organ-preserving chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

PURPOSE

We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of fractionated high-dose cisplatin as neoadjuvant organ-preserving chemotherapy, followed by definitive radiotherapy, for untreated and advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 1990 to April 1994, 32 patients bearing previously untreated advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (12 stage III and 20 stage IV) received three courses of high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 every 28 days) before definitive external radiation therapy with 65 to 70 Gy (180-200 cGy daily for 6-8 weeks). Twenty-eight patients were men; median age was 57 years (range, 31-69); and median performance status (ECOG) was 1 (0-2).

RESULTS

With an average follow-up time of 18 months (range, 6-47), 30 patients are evaluable for response and 32 for toxicity. Responses after three courses of chemotherapy were: complete response, 18 patients (60%), and partial response, 7 patients (23%), for an overall response rate of 83%. Only one patient showed progressive disease. Fifteen patients (50%; 12 complete and 3 partial responders) had pathologic complete remission. Eighty percent of patients had no evidence of disease after the therapeutic program. Median disease-free survival was 24 months, and median overall survival was 28 months (range, 6-47). Overall, in 46% of all evaluable patients, organ preservation with acceptable function was achieved. Disease-free survival and larynx preservation were strongly correlated with pathologic complete remission. The average dose intensity received at the end of the third course of therapy was 47 mg/m2/week. There were no drug-related deaths. The main acute toxicity was grade 2-3 nausea and vomiting in 75% of patients. Two patients developed renal impairment after the first course of cisplatin. Ototoxicity (grade 2-3) was seen in 43% of patients, and peripheral neuropathy (grade 2-3) was observed in 12% of patients. In contrast, myelotoxicity and mucositis were mild.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this strategy with fractionated high-dose cisplatin given on an outpatient basis is an attractive approach that produces a high rate of complete response and larynx preservation with an advantageous toxicity profile.