Phase I trial of weekly docetaxel and concurrent radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in elderly patients or patients with complications.
OBJECTIVE
We planned a phase I study of radiotherapy combined with weekly docetaxel for elderly patients or patients with complications to find out the optimal dose.


METHODS
Five consecutive weekly administrations of docetaxel were accompanied by radiotherapy for patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The starting dose of docetaxel was 10 mg/m(2) with escalation at 2 mg/m(2) per step.


RESULTS
Fifteen patients were enrolled in this trial. The maximal tolerated dose was 14 mg/m(2), so the recommended dose was determined as 12 mg/m(2). Hematological toxicity was sufficiently weak. Common dose-limiting toxicity was stomatitis within the radiation field.


CONCLUSIONS
This protocol was thought to be practical for elderly patients or those with medical complications.
Kodaira
Takeshi
T
Department of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Chikusa-ku, 464-8681 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. 109103@aichi-cc.jp
Fuwa
Nobukazu
N
Furutani
Kazuhisa
K
Tachibana
Hiroyuki
H
Yamazaki
Takuya
T
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017239:Paclitaxel