title: Update on the taxoids and other new agents in head and neck cancer therapy.
abstract: Both paclitaxel and docetaxel have shown activity when used as a single agent in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Combinations of both drugs with platinum derivatives and antimetabolites have been tested in patient populations with encouraging results, but some have exhibited considerable toxicity. It is unknown as yet whether such combinations are in any way superior to the standard platinum-based regimens. Intensive weekly schemes of taxoids and platinum compounds alone or in combination seem possible and deserve further study. Other agents such as vinorelbine, ifosfamide, thymetaq, trimetrexate, gemcitabine and topotecan showed variable activity in patients with SCCHN, but their role is still questionable. Following the optimistic view on the role of chemoradiation, combinations of paclitaxel (with or without carboplatin) with radiotherapy were studied, and the results seem feasible and promising.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schrijvers
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Vermorken
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000187:drug effects; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000187:drug effects; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012074:Remission Induction; D043823:Taxoids; D059005:Topoisomerase II Inhibitors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D050257:Tubulin Modulators
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D043823:Taxoids; D059005:Topoisomerase II Inhibitors; D050257:Tubulin Modulators; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel