Phase II study of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx) as induction chemotherapy for patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

A phase II trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx) as induction chemotherapy was conducted in 20 patients with treatment-naïve squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN). 10 patients received two cycles of Caelyx (40 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks before starting radical radiotherapy (RT). Subsequently, consecutive groups of 3 patients received a third escalating dose of Caelyx (10, 15 and 20 mg/m(2)) 3 days before RT.

Phase I-II study of pegylated liposomal cisplatin (SPI-077) in patients with inoperable head and neck cancer.

Background: Concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for squamous cancers of the head and neck (SCCHN) improves survival but increases toxicity. Pegylated liposomes localise to solid cancers and may deliver radiosensitizing agents preferentially to tumour tissue, potentially improving the therapeutic ratio of CCRT.

Patients And Methods: A phase I-II trial of pegylated liposome encapsulated cisplatin (SPI-077) was conducted in 18 patients with treatment-naive locally advanced, inoperable SCCHN.