Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent docetaxel for advanced head and neck cancer: a phase II study.

Aim: To evaluate the value of hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent use of low-dose docetaxel in locally-advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC).

Patients And Methods: Patients eligible for this study had confirmed diagnosis of HNSCC stages II (>10 cm(3)) to IVB. Radiotherapy was delivered twice daily at 1.2 Gy/fraction to a total dose of 72.0 Gy. Docetaxel (10 mg/m(2)) was administered weekly during radiotherapy.

Results: From March 2003 to October 2008, 70 patients were treated. Primary sites included the oropharynx (n=25), hypopharynx (n=24), larynx (n=18), and other sites (n=3). Major grade 3 acute toxicities included mucositis (n=43) and treatment-related pain (n=20). The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 43 months. The 5-year local control rate and overall survival rate were 62.6% and 61.6%, respectively.

Conclusion: This modality is a valuable treatment option for the management of locally-advanced HNSCC.