The efficacy of an induction chemotherapy combination with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-FU followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the feasibility and safety of the use of induction chemotherapy combined with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Materials and methods: The patients, that were initially not treated for locally advanced SCCHN, underwent three cycles of induction chemotherapy every 3 weeks at a dose of 70 mg/m(2) docetaxel D1, 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin D1, 1000 mg/m(2) 5-FU D1-4, and subsequently received concurrent chemoradiation therapy.

Results: Forty-nine patients were enrolled in this study and forty-three of the patients completed the treatment. The median duration of follow-up was 18 months (range, 6 approximately 39 months). All of the patients had stage III (26.5%) or IV (73.5%) squamous cell carcinoma. After sequential therapy, a complete response and partial response was seen in 28 (65.2%) and 13 (30.2%) patients, respectively. The overall response rate was 95.4%. Overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 years were 88.7% and 69.7%, respectively. Grade 3 approximately 4 neutropenia occurred in 42.2% of the patients and grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 1 cycle (0.7%). Two patients (4.1%) died during the induction chemotherapy due to pneumonia and a subdural hemorrhage, respectively. The group of patients over 65 years of age showed a significant lower dose intensity than that of patients under 65 years of age, but PFS was not significantly different between two groups (p=0.105).

Conclusion: TPF induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy showed a high level of CR and moderate treatment-induced toxicity. Adequate dose modification in elderly patients should be considered to maintain efficacy and avoid treatment-related toxicity.