Induction chemotherapy with carboplatin and ftorafur in advanced head and neck cancer. A randomized study.
From 1987 to 1989, 42 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (Stages III-IV, Mo) were randomized to receive radiotherapy (Group A) or three courses of induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (Group B). There were 36 evaluable patients, 17 in Group A and 19 in Group B. The radiotherapy regimen was the same for both groups, 66-74 Gy total tumor doses with standard fractionation scheme of 2 Gy/day. The chemotherapy regimen was a combination of carboplatin 400 mg/m2 by intravenous bolus injection on day 1, and Ftorafur 1,000 mg/m2 orally once a day for 14 days. Cycles were given every 4 weeks. The complete response rate in Group A was 65%; in group B it was 31.5% after induction chemotherapy and 84% after radiotherapy. The 42-month actuarial overall survival rates were 34% for Group A and 47% for Group B (P = NS). Patients from both groups with a complete response had a significantly longer survival time than those with a partial response (P less than 0.001). No significant differences in disease-free survival were found between the two treated groups. The chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated, with moderate hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity. Increased in radiation toxicity by chemotherapy was not observed.
Tejedor
M
M
Department of Radiotherapy, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Pino, Las Palmas, Spain.
Murias
A
A
Soria
P
P
Aguiar
J
J
Salinas
J
J
Hernandez
M A
MA
Molano
F
F
Gonzalez
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011867:Radioisotope Teletherapy; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D012074:Remission Induction; D016019:Survival Analysis; D005641:Tegafur / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D005641:Tegafur; D016190:Carboplatin