title: Paclitaxel (Taxol)/ifosfamide-based chemotherapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a functionally and cosmetically devastating tumor, and its treatment and the economic costs associated with aggressive treatment are substantial. Even with aggressive standard local surgery, radiotherapy, or both, locally advanced tumors recur in approximately two thirds of patients and the prognosis for those whose disease recurs or metastasizes is dismal. Newer chemotherapeutic agents such as ifosfamide and taxanes (paclitaxel [Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ] and docetaxel) have shown higher response rates than those seen with conventional agents and renew hope of prolonged survival, improved quality of life, and greater convenience. We recently conducted two consecutive phase II studies using paclitaxel/ifosfamide/cisplatin and paclitaxel/ifosfamide/carboplatin for patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN. These two regimens yielded high response rates (including complete responses) and appear to be promising therapies for SCCHN. This report describes our experience with these two regimens, including a comparison of their toxic effects.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Shin
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015080:Mesna / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D043823:Taxoids
chemical_list: D043823:Taxoids; D016190:Carboplatin; D015080:Mesna; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002945:Cisplatin; D007069:Ifosfamide