Hydroxyurea, fluorouracil, and concomitant radiotherapy in poor-prognosis head and neck cancer: a phase I-II study

Phase I study of nab-paclitaxel-based induction followed by nab-paclitaxel-based concurrent chemotherapy and re-irradiation in previously treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with poor overall survival (OS). Prior studies suggested incorporation of nab-paclitaxel (A) may improve outcomes in recurrent HNSCC.

METHODS

This Phase I study evaluated induction with carboplatin and A followed by concomitant FHX (infusional 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea and twice-daily radiation therapy administered every other week) plus A with cohort dose escalation ranging from 10-100 mg/m2 in recurrent HNSCC. The primary endpoint was maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of A when given in combination with FHX (AFHX).

RESULTS

Forty-eight eligible pts started induction; 28 pts started AFHX and were evaluable for toxicity. Two DLTs occurred (both Grade 4 mucositis) at a dose level 20 mg/m2. No further DLTs were observed with subsequent dose escalation. The MTD and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) of A was 100 mg/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

In this Phase I study, the RP2D of A with FHX is 100 mg/m2 (AFHX). The role of re-irradiation with immunotherapy warrants further investigation.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01847326.

Ribonucleotide reductase: Implications of thiol S-nitrosylation and tyrosine nitration for different subunits

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a multi-subunit enzyme responsible for catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the production of deoxyribonucleotides essential for DNA synthesis and repair. The active RNR complex is composed of multimeric R1 and R2 subunits. The RNR catalysis involves the formation of tyrosyl radicals in R2 subunits and thiyl radicals in R1 subunits. Despite the quaternary structure and cofactor diversity, all the three classes of RNR have a conserved cysteine residue at the active site which is converted into a thiyl radical that initiates the substrate turnover, suggesting that the catalytic mechanism is somewhat similar for all three classes of the RNR enzyme. Increased RNR activity has been associated with malignant transformation, cancer cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Efforts concerning the understanding of RNR inhibition in designing potent RNR inhibitors/drugs as well as developing novel approaches for antibacterial, antiviral treatments, and cancer therapeutics with improved radiosensitization have been made in clinical research. This review highlights the precise and potent roles of NO in RNR inhibition by targeting both the subunits. Under nitrosative stress, the thiols of the R1 subunits have been found to be modified by S-nitrosylation and the tyrosyl radicals of the R2 subunits have been modified by nitration. In view of the recent advances and progresses in the field of nitrosative modifications and its fundamental role in signaling with implications in health and diseases, the present article focuses on the regulations of RNR activity by S-nitrosylation of thiols (R1 subunits) and nitration of tyrosyl residues (R2 subunits) which will further help in designing new drugs and therapies.

Impacts of anticancer drug parity laws on mortality rates

This study investigates the impacts of anticancer drug parity laws on mortality rates in the United States using a difference-in-differences approach. Using data from 2004 to 2017 Compressed Mortality Files, we show that the anticancer drug parity laws reduce the mortality rate for head/neck malignant cancers but have no impact on malignant cancers of other types. We also rule out an insurance expansion channel that may influence the relationship between anticancer drug parity laws and malignant cancer mortality. Our results are robust to various specifications and falsification tests. Our findings imply that providing equal access to oral anticancer drugs is an effective tool for the prevention of premature mortality.

Adjuvant treatment for high-risk salivary gland malignancies and prognostic stratification based on a 20-year single institution experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Retrospective analysis of the utility of adjuvant radiation (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT) and identify prognostic features for patients with high-risk head and neck salivary gland cancers.

METHODS

From 1/1997 to 12/2017, 108 patients underwent surgery, and RT (n = 50) or CRT (n = 58) for positive lymph node(s), extracapsular extension, perineural invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, positive/close margin, and/or grade 3 disease. Outcomes were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Significant predictors identified through regression analyses were incorporated into multivariable regression (MVA). Toxicities were compared using chi-square.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 52 months (range: 3-226). The number of risk factors (RFs) between RT and CRT groups were: 0 to 1 (44% vs 7%), 2 to 3 (48% vs 41%), or 4 to 6 (8% vs 52%), respectively (P < .01). On MVA, stage 3 or 4 disease predicted worse outcomes including overall survival (HR 4.55, P = .01). Increasing number of RFs predicted worse disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (2-3 RFs: HR 3.38, P = .03; 4-6 RFs: HR 5.78, P < .01), but not locoregional control (P = .54). So, adjuvant CRT may have provided comparable locoregional control for patients with more adverse features, but the CRT did not translate into improved distant control. There was no difference in acute or late grade 3+ toxicities, or parenteral nutrition (P = .98, P = .85, and P = .83), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant CRT provides adequate locoregional control in patients with more adverse RFs. The absolute number of RFs serves prognostic significance and should be considered in future prospective trials.

Radioprotective Agents and Enhancers Factors. Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies for Oxidative Induced Radiotherapy Damages in Hematological Malignancies

Radiation therapy plays a critical role in the management of a wide range of hematologic malignancies. It is well known that the post-irradiation damages both in the bone marrow and in other organs are the main causes of post-irradiation morbidity and mortality. Tumor control without producing extensive damage to the surrounding normal cells, through the use of radioprotectors, is of special clinical relevance in radiotherapy. An increasing amount of data is helping to clarify the role of oxidative stress in toxicity and therapy response. Radioprotective agents are substances that moderate the oxidative effects of radiation on healthy normal tissues while preserving the sensitivity to radiation damage in tumor cells. As well as the substances capable of carrying out a protective action against the oxidative damage caused by radiotherapy, other substances have been identified as possible enhancers of the radiotherapy and cytotoxic activity via an oxidative effect. The purpose of this review was to examine the data in the literature on the possible use of old and new substances to increase the efficacy of radiation treatment in hematological diseases and to reduce the harmful effects of the treatment.

The value of moderate dose escalation for re-irradiation of recurrent or second primary head-and-neck cancer

Background

Treatment for local and locoregional recurrence or second head-and-neck (H&N) cancers after previous radiotherapy is challenging, and re-irradiation carries a significantly increased risk for radiotherapy-related normal tissue toxicities and treatment failure due to a radioresistant tumor phenotype. Here, we analyzed re-irradiation management and outcomes in patients with recurrent or second primary H&N carcinoma using state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures and radiotherapy techniques.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2019, 48 patients with recurrent or second primary H&N carcinoma received re-radiotherapy at the University of Freiburg Medical Center and were included in this study. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate Cox-regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of clinico-pathological factors on treatment outcomes. Acute and chronic treatment-related toxicities were quantified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.03).

Results

Thirty-one patients (64.6%) received definitive and 17 (35.4%) adjuvant radiotherapy. Simultaneous chemotherapy was administered in 28 patients (58.3%) with cetuximab as the most commonly used systemic agent (n = 17, 60.7%). After a median time of 17 months (range 4 months to 176 months) between first and second radiotherapy, patients were re-irradiated with a median of 58.4 Gy and a treatment completion rate of 87.5% (n = 42). Median OS was 25 months with a 1-year OS amounting to 62.4%, and median PFS was 9 months with a 1-year PFS of 37.6%. Univariate analyses demonstrated that both a lower rT-status and a radiotherapy boost were associated with improved OS (p < 0.05). There was a trend towards superior OS for patients who received > 50 Gy (p = 0.091) and who completed the prescribed radiotherapy (p = 0.055). Five patients (10.4%) suffered from at least one grade 3 toxicities, while 9 patients (27.3%) experienced chronic higher-grade toxicities (≥ grade 3) with one (3.0%) grade 4 carotid blowout and one (3.0%) grade 4 osteoradionecrosis.

Conclusion

Re-irradiation of recurrent or second primary H&N cancer with modern radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy resulted in promising survival rates with acceptable toxicities compared to historical cohorts. Increased re-irradiation doses, utilization of a radiotherapy boost and completion of the re-irradiation treatment were found to result in improved survival.

[Re-irradiation of head and neck cancers: Target volumes, technical evolutions and prospects]

Malignant tumors of the head and neck have a predominantly regional recurrence pattern, with most deaths resulting from this progression. Optimization of re-radiation in recurrence setting is a major objective for these patients. Extensive research has been carried out with the PubMed search engine to find publications dealing with this topic. The first attempts to reirradiate the ORL sphere date back to the 1980s and the first to be performed by intensity modulation conformational radiotherapy (IMRT) date back to the late 1990s. Compared to 3 dimensional conformal radiotherapy, IMRT improves clinical outcomes and reduces toxicity. In IMRT series, associated or not with concomitant chemotherapy, the locoregional control obtained at 2 years was of the order of 45 to 65% and the overall survival of 15 to 60%, depending on predictive factors. Grade 3 acute toxicity occurred on the order of 10 to 30% and late-grade 3 toxicity on the order of 15 to 50%. In a selected population with low volumes tumors, stereotactic re-irradiation at a minimum dose of 35Gy obtained outcome comparable to IMRT. Re-irradiation of head and neck tumors by proton therapy is rare. The toxicity rate appears to be lower than that usually seen after photon therapy. However, we do not have a long follow-up. This technique therefore remains reserved for search protocols and represents a future perspective in these situations.

[Reirradiation of head and neck cancers]

Locoregional relapse in previously irradiated region for head and neck tumours is associated with a bad locoregional and distant prognosis. Reirradiation might be exclusive, or feasible in addition with surgery and/or chemotherapy, according to histopronostic factors. Data show that reirradiation is feasible with some severe toxicity due to the bad prognosis of this situation. Hyperfractionnated regimen with split course or normofractionnated regimen without split course are possible with similar efficacy. If tumour size is small, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy may be considered, and if the treatment centre has proton therapy, it could be proposed because of better organs at risk sparing. There is no standard regarding reirradiation schedules and several trials have to be done in order to determine the best technique. Nevertheless, it is agreed that a total dose of 60Gy (2Gy per fraction) is needed. Other trials testing the association with new systemic agents have to be performed, among them agents targeting the PD1/PD-L1 axis.

Clinical pharmacology and clinical trials of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors: is it a viable cancer therapy?

PURPOSE

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) enzymes (RR1 and RR2) play an important role in the reduction of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides which is involved in DNA replication and repair. Augmented RR activity has been ascribed to uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenic transformation.

METHODS

This review mainly focuses on several biological and chemical RR inhibitors (e.g., siRNA, GTI-2040, GTI-2501, triapine, gemcitabine, and clofarabine) that have been evaluated in clinical trials with promising anticancer activity from 1960's till 2016. A summary on whether their monotherapy or combination is still effective for further use is discussed.

RESULTS

Among the RR2 inhibitors evaluated, GTI-2040, siRNA, gallium nitrate and didox were more efficacious as a monotherapy, whereas triapine was found to be more efficacious as combination agent. Hydroxyurea is currently used more in combination therapy, even though it is efficacious as a monotherapy. Gallium nitrate showed mixed results in combination therapy, while the combination activity of didox is yet to be evaluated. RR1 inhibitors that have long been used in chemotherapy such as gemcitabine, cladribine, fludarabine and clofarabine are currently used mostly as a combination therapy, but are equally efficacious as a monotherapy, except tezacitabine which did not progress beyond phase I trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of clinical trials, we conclude that RR inhibitors are viable treatment options, either as a monotherapy or as a combination in cancer chemotherapy. With the recent advances made in cancer biology, further development of RR inhibitors with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity is possible for treatment of variety of cancers.

[Reirradiations of head and neck cancers: state of the concept and ways of development]

The treatment of local recurrence or second primary developed in irradiated area in the field of head and neck carcinoma, should be planned and organized through multidisciplinary discussions. The outcome of such a clinical situations benefits from second line and advanced technology treatments. Only a few patients are amenable to salvage surgery, hence radiation therapy, combined or not with chemotherapy, takes a major role in these indications. This overview of the literature describes recent development in this field, aiming to improve local control while the sparing of organ at risk remains an important goal. Radiation therapy is currently implementing major new technologies set to improve external beam irradiation with new concepts on dose, fractionation, intensity modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic approach - as well as in brachytherapy. Apart from dedicated studies, the great heterogeneity of the treated patients should be underlined and taken into consideration. However, current data confirm the feasibility of reirradiation with acceptable local control and toxicity.

Multidisciplinary care of the patient with head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is a heterogeneous group of cancers, which require a multidisciplinary approach to achieve excellent treatment results. This article focuses on current treatment guidelines and controversies in the management of head and neck cancer. It also provides insight into future directions and newest advances in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

A phase I dose escalation study of Ad GV.EGR.TNF.11D (TNFerade™ Biologic) with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer undergoing reirradiation

BACKGROUND

AdGV.EGR.TNF.11D (TNFerade™ Biologic) is a replication-deficient adenoviral vector expressing human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) under the control of the chemoradiation-inducible EGR-1 promoter. TNF-α has been shown to function as a radiation sensitizer. We conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of TNFerade™ Biologic, when added to chemoradiotherapy in poor prognosis patients with recurrent, previously irradiated head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

TNFerade™ Biologic was injected intratumorally on day 1 of each 14-day cycle and dose-escalated in log increments from 4 × 10(9) to 4 × 10(11) PU. Daily radiation, infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and hydroxyurea were given on days 1-5 for seven cycles (FHX). Tumor biopsies were obtained before, during, and after treatment.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were treated. DLT was reached at a dose level of 3 (4 × 10(11) PU) with three thrombotic events. The response rate was 83.3%. The median survival was 9.6 months. One patient (7.1%) remained alive 3 years after treatment. Biopsies were obtained in 90% of patients. Nearly all tumors expressed adenovirus receptors, TNF-α, and TNF-α receptors. Adenoviral DNA was detected in three biopsies from one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

TNFerade™ Biologic can be safely integrated with FHX chemoradiotherapy at an MTD of 4 × 10(10) PU. Monitoring for thrombotic events is indicated.

Evidence based and new developments in re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The standard treatment for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers is surgery which can only be performed in 25% of the patients. For inoperable patients, three options can be discussed: supportive care only, chemotherapy or radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. The goal of this article is to review the indications and new developments in re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers.

RECENT FINDINGS

The le Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs de la Tête et du Cou (GETTEC)-le Groupe d'Oncologie et de Radiothérapie Tête et Cou (GORTEC) (99-01) trial showed that radio-chemotherapy improved disease-free survival for a highly selected population. All conventional and conformational radiotherapy series showed improved local control and disease-free survival rates, but at the expense of acute and late toxicities demanding a drastic patients selection. New radiotherapy techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have improved oncological results with reduced toxicities, offering treatments which are spread over six to seven weeks for IMRT and two weeks for SBRT.

SUMMARY

Re-irradiation is an attractive alternative treatment for selected inoperable patients and its effectiveness can be potentiated by systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. The development of new radiotherapy techniques such as IMRT and SBRT has improved healthy tissues tolerance and future studies should help define the specific IMRT and SBRT indications.

[Reirradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers]

Recurrences or second primary head and neck cancers meant, for a long time, therapeutic dead ends. Surgery was the standard treatment, but could only be achieved in 25% of the patients. The GETTEC-GORTEC (99-01) randomized trial showed that radiochemotherapy improved disease-free survival for a highly selected population. For inoperable patients, three options can be discussed: supportive care only, chemotherapy or radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. The EXTREME protocol showed that combining platinum, 5FU and cetuximab improved overall survival for recurrent or metastatic forms. This is certainly the best option for advanced forms, which are not accessible to radiotherapy. Concerning radiotherapy, only one randomized trial compared chemoradiotherapy to chemotherapy alone using methotrexate. The overall survival, the main objective in this study, was not improved, however, the enrollment was incomplete and included many advanced stage tumors. Other articles are based on Vokes' initial work of radiochemotherapy delivered in split-course over a period of 11 weeks. All conventional and conformational radiotherapy series showed improved local control and disease-free survival rates, but at the expense of acute and late toxicities demanding a drastic patients selection. New radiotherapy techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have reduced toxicities with a likely oncological results improvement, offering treatments which are spread over six to seven weeks for IMRT and two weeks for SBRT. The better treatment tolerance allows an increasing number of eligible patients. The main future objective will be to define the specific IMRT and SBRT indications.

Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors: a new look at an old target for radiosensitization

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR), the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis and repair of DNA, has been studied as a target for inhibition in the treatment of cancer for many years. While some researchers have focused on RR inhibitors as chemotherapeutic agents, particularly in hematologic malignancies, some of the most promising data has been generated in the field of radiosensitization. Early pre-clinical studies demonstrated that the addition of the first of these drugs, hydroxyurea, to ionizing radiation (IR) produced a synergistic effect in vitro, leading to a large number of clinical studies in the 1970–1980s. These studies, mainly in cervical cancer, initially produced a great deal of interest, leading to the incorporation of hydroxyurea in the treatment protocols of many institutions. However, over time, the conclusions from these studies have been called into question and hydroxyurea has been replaced in the standard of care of cervical cancer. Over the last 10 years, a number of well-done pre-clinical studies have greatly advanced our understanding of RR as a target. Those advances include the elucidation of the role of p53R2 and our understanding of the temporal relationship between the delivery of IR and the response of RR. At the same time, new inhibitors with increased potency and improved binding characteristics have been discovered, and pre-clinical and early clinical data look promising. Here we present a comprehensive review of the pre-clinical and clinical data in the field to date and provide some discussion of future areas of research.

Angiogenesis in head and neck cancer: a review of the literature

Angiogenesis is a necessary process for tumor growth, progression and diffusion. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms necessary to the formation of new vessels in tumor tissue and how to integrate these findings in the treatment of different type of cancer. Thanks to these studies there are today many anti-angiogenic drugs with established activity in cancer and approved in clinical practice. Head and neck cancer is a common tumor worldwide that often has advanced stage at diagnosis and poor prognosis. Angiogenesis has a well recognized role in head and neck cancer progression and resistance to drugs and radiotherapy and many clinical trials has been conducted with antiangiogenic agents in this disease, even if they often showed limited efficacy. In this review we summarize the main trials published about angiogenesis in head and neck cancer with particular attention to factors involved in this process and the available data on the efficacy of treatment with anti-angiogenic agents in this disease.

Reirradiation with alternating docetaxel-based chemotherapy for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: update of a single-center prospective phase II protocol

PURPOSE

To report follow-up data and results of a dose escalation within a prospective phase II protocol scheduling alternating chemoreirradiation for patients with unresectable locoregional recurrence of head and neck cancer after previous curative-intent radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemoreirradiation was initially performed in 27 patients by 40.0 Gy split-course reirradiation (re-RT) alternating with three cycles of docetaxel 50 mg/m(2) day 1 and cisplatin 15 mg/m(2) days 2-5 (first cohort). From 2002 onward, 30 consecutively treated patients received a late-course concomitant boost to 49.6 Gy (second cohort). In July 2008, the survival outcome was analyzed separately for both cohorts and the entire collective (n = 57).

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier estimates for 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) were 52% and 24%, respectively (median OS 13.4 months). The median time of locoregional control was 9.6 months, and the actuarial 2-year freedom from distant metastasis rate was 55%. The re-RT dose escalation led to a significant improvement of the median OS (17.4 vs. 9.4 months; p = 0.039). Irrespective of the cohort, severe treatment-related toxicities occurred in about one third of patients.

CONCLUSION

The treatment results confirm the efficacy and the safety of escalated re-RT doses in this chemoreirradiation protocol.

Final report of RTOG 9610, a multi-institutional trial of reirradiation and chemotherapy for unresectable recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND

Our objectives were to determine the incidence of acute and late toxicities and to estimate the 2-year overall survival for patients treated with reirradiation and chemotherapy for unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

METHODS

Patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma or a second primary arising in a previously irradiated field were eligible. Four weekly cycles of 5-fluorouracil 300 mg/m2 IV bolus and hydroxyurea 1.5 g by mouth were used with 60 Gy at 1.5 Gy twice-daily fractions. Toxicity was scored according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) criteria.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine of the 86 patients enrolled were analyzable. The worst acute toxicity was grade 4 in 17.7% and grade 5 in 7.6%. Grade 3 and 4 late toxicities were found in 19.4% and 3.0%, respectively. The estimated cumulative incidence of grade 3 to 4 late effects occurring at >1 year was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0, 19.7) at 2 and 5 years. The 2- and 5-year cumulative incidence for grade 4 toxicity was 3.1% (95% CI: 0, 9.3). The estimated 2- and 5-year survival rates were 15.2% (95% CI: 7.3, 23.1) and 3.8% (95% CI: 0.8, 8.0), respectively. Patients who entered the study at >1 year from initial radiotherapy (RT) had better survival than did those who were <1 year from prior RT (median survival, 9.8 months vs 5.8 months; p = .036). No correlation was detected between dose received and overall survival. Three patients were alive at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

This is the first prospective multi-institutional trial testing reirradiation plus chemotherapy for recurrent or second SCCHN. The approach is feasible with acceptable acute and late effects. The results serve as a benchmark for ongoing RTOG trials.

Phase I Study of Bevacizumab Added to Fluorouracil- and Hydroxyurea-Based Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy for Poor-Prognosis Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose

We conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of bevacizumab, when added to the standard FHX (fluorouracil [FU], hydroxyurea [HU], radiation) chemoradiotherapy platform in poor-prognosis head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients with recurrent, previously radiated or poor-prognosis, treatment-naive HNC were eligible. Treatment was repeated every 14 days for seven cycles: Bevacizumab was escalated 2.5 to 10 mg/kg, FU 600 to 800 mg/m2(120 hours continuous infusion), and hydroxyurea from 500 to 1,000 mg (twice daily for 5 days), starting day 1. At the MTD, the cohort was expanded.

Results

Forty-three patients were treated. DLT was reached at level 3 (bevacizumab 5 mg/kg, FU 800 mg/m2, HU 1,000 mg) with two grade 3 transaminase elevations and one grade 4 neutropenia, attributed to the combination of chemotherapy with bevacizumab. For level 4, chemotherapy doses were reduced (FU 600 mg/2, HU 500 mg), and bevacizumab escalation continued to 10 mg/kg. Treatment of six assessable patients resulted in one venous thrombosis; this dose level was expanded to 26 patients. Late complications included five patients with fistula formation (11.6%) and four with ulceration/tissue necrosis (9.3%). Serious toxicities (hemorrhage/thrombosis/death) were comparable to prior reirradiation reports. Median overall survival for reirradiated patients with recurrent, nonmetastatic disease was 10.3 months [95% CI, 5.6 to 13.5]; 2-year cumulative incidence of death resulting from disease was 51.7% (95% CI, 31.7 to 68.5).

Conclusion

Bevacizumab can be integrated with FHX chemoradiotherapy at a dose of 10 mg/m2every 2 weeks with decreased chemotherapy doses because of neutropenia. The regimen shows antitumor activity. Observed fistula formation/tissue necrosis may be bevacizumab related, and further investigation should proceed with careful monitoring.

A phase I trial of docetaxel based induction and concomitant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of docetaxel based induction and concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after using the FHX platform (5 = 5-FU, H = hydroxyurea, X = Radiation). Patients with Stage III/IV locally advanced HNSCC were enrolled. Induction chemotherapy (carboplatin/docetaxel) was followed by 5 cycles of concomitant docetaxel based CRT. No DLTs were observed in dose levels 1/2 for induction and CRT. Dose level 2 was expanded. The overall survival CR rate after CRT was 79 percent. Median overall (OS) has not been reached and 2-year OS is 80.7 percent. The recommended Phase II dose of docetaxel with FHX CRT is 25 mg/m(2) and 35 mg/m(2) in combination with carboplatin induction (AUC = 6).

Reirradiation in squamous cell head and neck cancer: recent developments and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to highlight the most important developments in the management of recurrent or second primary head and neck carcinoma in previously irradiated areas by reirradiation that have been published in the medical literature in the past year.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research indicates that long-term survival can be achieved in a proportion of patients using more advanced chemo-reirradiation protocols in the primary as well as in postoperative reirradiation setting. Despite the promising results with regard to locoregional tumour control and survival, treatment-related acute and late morbidity remains of major concern.

SUMMARY

As an increasing number of patients currently receive more effective initial treatment regimens, recurrent and second primary tumours in previously irradiated areas nowadays may represent a more radio-resistant population than reported in previous studies. Therefore, full-dose chemo-reirradiation should only be applied in well selected cases.

Paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea concurrent with radiation in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We conducted a phase II trial using paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea concurrent with radiation (TFHX).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients with locally advanced NPC were treated with CRT consisting of 4-day continuous infusions of paclitaxel (20 mg/m(2)/d) and 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m(2)/d), and oral hydroxyurea 500 mg bid for nine doses, every 3 weeks concurrent with radiotherapy (RT). RT consisted of once daily 200cGy fractions 5 times per week to a total of 7000cGy.

RESULTS

Complete response was seen in 86% and 71% of patients at 4 and 12 months after CRT. The median follow-up was 34 months. Twenty-three patients experienced relapse. Sixteen deaths occurred: 13 from progressive disease. Three-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 72% and 54% respectively, with locoregional and distant control rates of 83% and 64% at 3 years respectively. Grade 3 to 4 acute toxicities included oropharyngeal mucositis in 81% of patients treated, dermatitis in 63%, weight loss in 32%, and neutropenia in 22%. Neutropenic fever was seen in 14%. There were no treatment-related deaths from acute toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

TFHX is shown to be feasible in NPC. Non-cross resistant induction chemotherapy should be further studied with this regimen.

A phase II study of primary reirradiation in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In this prospective study, the effect of a second course of primary radiotherapy on locoregional control, survival and toxicity was investigated, in patients who underwent a second course of high dose irradiation for second primary or locoregional recurrent squamous cell head and neck carcinoma (HNSCC) in a previously irradiated area.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 34 patients with second primary (n=26) or locoregional recurrent (n=8) tumours were treated with a second course of high dose radiotherapy. Patients were selected for re-irradiation in case of inoperable and/or unresectable tumours. In most cases, the target volume for re-irradiation was confined to the gross tumour volume (GTV). No elective radiotherapy was applied in the former high-dose area. A total dose of 46 Gy was applied to elective areas with a boost up to 60 Gy with conventional fractionation. The median follow-up period was 32 months.

RESULTS

The locoregional control rate after 2 years was 27%. The 3-year overall survival was 22%. The most frequently reported acute side-effect was acute mucositis resulting in swallowing complaints. Pharyngeal and oesophageal late morbidity was also the most important late side-effect. In general, acute and late radiation-induced morbidity remained within acceptable limits.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, primary re-irradiation appears to be feasible in terms of acute and late radiation-induced toxicity. To improve outcome in terms locoregional control and survival, future studies should be focussed on optimising radiation schedules and the addition of concomitant chemotherapy.

Long-term outcome of concurrent chemotherapy and reirradiation for recurrent and second primary head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To define favorable pretreatment characteristics for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control, and freedom from distant metastasis for patients with recurrent and second primary head-and-neck cancer treated with concomitant chemotherapy and reirradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Our study population comprised a subset of 115 previously irradiated patients without overt metastases from 304 poor-prognosis head-and-neck cancer patients treated in seven consecutive phase I-II protocols. Of the 115 patients, 49, who had undergone surgical resection, were treated with a median of four cycles of concurrent chemotherapy and reirradiation and 66, who had not undergone surgical resection, were treated with a median of five cycles. The following regimens were used: 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea concurrent with reirradiation (FHX) (n=14), cisplatin plus FHX (n=23), paclitaxel plus FHX (n=42), gemcitabine plus paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil concurrent with reirradiation (n=26), and irinotecan plus FHX (n=10).

RESULTS

The median lifetime radiation dose was 131 Gy. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 67.4 months (range, 18.5-158.7). The median OS and PFS was 11 and 7 months (range, 0.2-158.7), respectively. The 3-year OS, PFS, locoregional control, and freedom from distant metastasis rate was 22%, 33%, 51%, and 61%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified reirradiation dose, triple agent (cisplatin-, paclitaxel-, or gemcitabine-containing chemotherapy), and surgery before protocol treatment as independently prognostic for OS, PFS, and locoregional control. Triple-agent chemotherapy was prognostic for freedom from distant metastasis. Nineteen patients died of treatment-related toxicity, five of these of carotid hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

For recurrent and second primary head-and-neck cancer, trimodality therapy with surgery, concurrent chemotherapy, and reirradiation for a full second dose offers potential for long-term survival. Owing to the substantial toxicity and lack of an optimal regimen, reirradiation of recurrent head-and-neck cancer should be limited to clinical trials.

Twice-daily reirradiation for recurrent and second primary head-and-neck cancer with gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy

PURPOSE

We previously demonstrated the efficacy of concurrent gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil in conjunction with twice-daily (1.5-Gy) radiotherapy delivered on alternating weeks (TFGX(2)) in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer. Here, we report the clinical outcome and late toxicity of TFGX(2) in a subset of patients previously irradiated to the head and neck.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty-nine previously irradiated patients, presenting with recurrent or second primary head-and-neck cancer, underwent TFGX(2). Twelve patients underwent attempted surgical resection before chemoradiotherapy, 10 of whom were left with no measurable disease. Patients with measurable disease received a median radiation dose of 72 Gy; those with no measurable disease received a median dose of 61 Gy. The cumulative dose ranged from 74.4 to 156.4 Gy (mean, 125.7 Gy; median, 131.0 Gy).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 19.1 months (50.9 months for living patients). The 5-year overall survival rate was 34.5%, and the locoregional control rate was 54.5%. In patients with measurable disease at treatment, the 5-year overall survival and locoregional control rate was 26.3% and 45.1%, respectively, compared with 50.0% (p = 0.14) and 70% (p = 0.31), respectively, for those with no measurable disease. Measurable disease and radiation dose were highly statistically significant for overall survival and locoregional control on multivariate analysis. Of 14 patients assessable for late toxicity, 3 developed Grade 4-5, 8 Grade 2-3, and 3 Grade 0-1 toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive reirradiation with chemotherapy in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer provides a chance for long-term cure at the expense of toxicity. Attempted surgical resection before chemoradiotherapy improved disease control and survival.

Phase I study of concomitant chemoradiotherapy with paclitaxel, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, and twice-daily radiation in patients with poor-prognosis cancer of the head and neck

PURPOSE

We previously demonstrated high locoregional control, in patients with poor-prognosis head and neck cancer (HNC), using paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, and concomitant hyperfractionated radiotherapy. In the present phase I trial, gemcitabine, a novel antimetabolite with strong radiation-enhancing activity, replaces hydroxyurea. We sought to determine the recommended phase II dose and clinical efficacy in poor-prognosis HNC patients.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Seventy-two patients enrolled. Eligibility criteria included recurrent or second primary HNC, metastases or expected 2-year survival <20%. Chemoradiotherapy consisted of 5-fluorouracil, 600 mg/m(2)/d, for 5 days; paclitaxel, 100 mg/m(2) on Day 1; and concurrent 1.5 Gy twice-daily radiation for 5 days. Gemcitabine was dose escalated, 50-300 mg/m(2) on day 1. Cycles repeated every 14 days until the completion of chemoradiation. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included: neutropenic fever; grade > or =4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia for >4 days; grade > or =4 mucositis or dermatitis for >7 days; or grade 3 toxicity necessitating chemotherapy dose reductions. Non-DLT dose reductions in 5-fluorouracil and/or paclitaxel were allowed.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine percent of assessable patients experienced a clinical response. Five-year actuarial survival is 33.0%, and locoregional control is 61.4%. The recommended phase II dose of gemcitabine in this regimen is 100 mg/m(2) during cycles 1-5 (1 of 7 patients with DLT) or 200 mg/m(2) delivered only during cycles 3-5 (3 of 19 with DLT). Grades 3 and 4 mucositis (56 and 21%, respectively) and dermatitis (25 and 21%, respectively) were common.

CONCLUSIONS

Gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and twice-daily radiation, delivered on alternating weeks, is active in patients with poor-prognosis HNC, although severe mucositis limits the clinical applicability of this regimen. Refinements in radiotherapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, may improve the tolerance for this regimen.

A review on re-irradiation for recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer

The purpose of this paper is to review the results of studies regarding radiation as primary or adjuvant treatment modality for head and neck recurrences or second primary tumours (SPT) in previously irradiated areas, with emphasis on acute and late radiation induced morbidity, locoregional control and survival. The criteria for the studies to be included in this review were: (1) re-irradiation for locoregional recurrent disease or SPT in the head and neck region, (2) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx, and (3) a minimum of 10 patients included in the study. Studies were divided in four categories, including (1) external beam re-irradiation, (2) re-irradiation with brachytherapy, (3) re-irradiation in combination with chemotherapy and (4) postoperative re-irradiation. Most studies were retrospective using heterogeneous treatment regimens and including heterogeneous groups of patients. A total number of 27 studies were included. Overall survival, locoregional control and acute and late radiation-induced morbidity are reported. High dose reirradiation as salvage treatment in case of recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer should be considered, particularly when salvage surgery is not feasible. Although long term survivors are reported is some studies, the relatively high incidence of treatment-related morbidity emphasize the need for further optimisation in order to improve locoregional control and reduce the risk on late morbidity.

Preliminary results of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 97-03: a randomized phase ii trial of concurrent radiation and chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

PURPOSE

To define further the role of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group developed this three-arm randomized phase II trial. Patients with stage III or IV squamous carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx were eligible. Each of three arms proposed a radiation schedule of 70 Gy in 35 fractions. Patients on arm 1 were to receive cisplatin 10 mg/m(2) daily and fluorouracil (FU) 400 mg/m(2) continuous infusion (CI) daily for the final 10 days of treatment. Treatment on arm 2 consisted of hydroxyurea 1 g every 12 hours and FU 800 mg/m(2)/d CI delivered with each fraction of radiation. Arm 3 patients were to receive weekly paclitaxel 30 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 20 mg/m(2). Patients randomly assigned to arms 1 and 3 were to receive their treatments every week; patients on arm 2 were to receive their therapy every other week.

RESULTS

Between 1997 and 1999, 241 patients were entered onto study; 231 were analyzable. Ninety-two percent, 79%, and 83% of patients on arms 1, 2, and 3, respectively, were able to complete their radiation as planned or with an acceptable variation. Fewer than 10% of patients had unacceptable deviations or incomplete chemotherapy in the three arms. Estimated 2-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 38.2% and 57.4% for arm 1, 48.6% and 69.4% for arm 2, and 51.3% and 66.6% for arm 3.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that three different approaches of concurrent multiagent chemotherapy and radiation were feasible and could be delivered to patients in a multi-institutional setting with high compliance rates.

Patterns of failure, prognostic factors and survival in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy: a 9-year, 337-patient, multi-institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Locoregionally advanced, stage IV head and neck cancer has traditionally carried a poor prognosis. We sought to assess changes in patterns of failure, prognostic factors for recurrence, and overall outcome, using two different strategies of chemoradiotherapy conducted in prospective, multi-institutional phase II trials.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and thirty-seven stage IV patients were treated from 1989 to 1998. We compared locoregional and distant recurrence rates, overall survival and progression-free survival from two different treatment strategies: intensive induction chemotherapy followed by split-course chemoradiotherapy (type 1, n=127), or intensified, split-course, hyperfractionated multiagent chemoradiotherapy alone (type 2, n=210). Univariate and multivariate analyses of 12 chosen covariates were assessed separately for the two study types.

RESULTS

The pattern of failure varied greatly between study types 1 and 2 (5-year locoregional failure of 31% and 17% for study types 1 and 2, respectively, P=0.01; 5-year distant failure rate of 13% and 22% for study types 1 and 2, P=0.03). Combined 5-year overall survival was 47% [95% confidence interval (CI) 41% to 53%) and progression-free survival was 60% (95% CI 55% to 66%). Both treatment strategies yielded similar survival rates. Poor overall survival and distant recurrence were best predicted by advanced nodal stage. Locoregional recurrence was extremely rare for patients with T0-T3 tumor stage, regardless of lymph-node stage.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests that pattern of failure in primary head and neck cancer may be dependent upon treatment strategy. Randomized clinical trials of induction chemotherapy are warranted as a means to determine if a decrease in distant metastases can lead to an increase in survival rates in the setting of effective chemoradiotherapy for locoregional control. Additionally, this analysis provides impetus for randomized clinical trials of organ preservation chemoradiotherapy in sites outside the larynx and hypopharynx.

Intensive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer with 5-Fluorouracil- and hydroxyurea-based regimens: reversing a pattern of failure

Combined modality programs that were developed over the past two decades demonstrated that the nonsurgical therapy of locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer is feasible and produces survival outcomes that are at least comparable with surgery. The systemic therapy of head and neck cancer has gained momentum in recent years. Several randomized studies have shown that the concurrent administration of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is superior to radiation therapy alone. In consecutive clinical studies since 1986, we have developed multiagent chemoradiotherapy regimens based on initial observations with the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), hydroxyurea, and concomitant radiotherapy combination. Three consecutive multicenter phase II trials reported that the combination of 5-FU and hydroxyurea with either cisplatin or paclitaxel along with twice daily radiation therapy administered every other week is a highly effective regimen with local control rates that approach 90% and 3-year survival rates of approximately 60% in patients with stage IV disease. The vast majority of patients in these studies achieved anatomical organ preservation. A reversal of the historical pattern of failure was evident, with distant sites becoming the predominant site of failure in each trial. The paclitaxel-containing regimen was better tolerated than the cisplatin-containing regimen and was advanced to further clinical testing. The incorporation of induction chemotherapy may improve the results of treatment by targeting systemic micrometastatic disease.

Overexpression of the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase in human nasopharyngeal cancer cells reduces radiosensitivity

PURPOSE

Ribonucleotide reductase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, which are utilized in both DNA synthesis and DNA repair. We reported previously that RR enzyme activity and R2 (catalytic subunit of RR) protein levels were increased after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) in growth-arrested human tumor cells, suggesting that R2 protein expression regulates RR activity to allow for IR damage repair. Using isogenic human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in this study, we examine the relationship of overexpression of either the R1 regulatory subunit or the R2 catalytic subunit of RR to the cellular response of IR damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used three isogenic human nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines previously derived by Zhou et al, including KB, the parental tumor cell line; KB/M1, an R1 protein-overexpressing clone stably transfected with human R1 complementary DNA; and KB/M2, a R2 protein-overexpressing clone stably transfected with human R2 complementary DNA. We initially characterized these isogenic human tumor cell lines in exponential growth for R2 protein expression, RR enzyme activity, and R2 protein changes during the cell cycle by flow cytometry. Subsequently, the IR response in these cell lines was determined by clonogenic survival, cell cycle changes occurring after IR, and an analysis of IR DNA damage determined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. The effect of combining IR and hydroxyurea, a RR (R2) inhibitor, was also studied in KB and KB/M2 cells.

RESULTS

KB/M2 cells were found to have 4.5-fold higher R2 protein expression and a threefold higher RR enzyme activity in exponential growth than KB and KB/M1. Although R2 protein levels increased at the G1/S transition in all cell lines, KB/M2 cells also demonstrated consistently higher R2 protein levels throughout the cell cycle. Using a linear-quadratic analysis of IR clonogenic survival data, KB/M2 cells were more radioresistant than KB and KB/M1 cells, including both decreased alpha and decreased beta values, a finding that correlates with increased reparable IR damage. KB/M2 cells also show a reduced G2 cell cycle arrest and fewer DNA double strand breaks 18 hours after IR (6 Gy). Exposure of KB/M2 cells to hydroxyurea (300 microM) after exposure to IR restored in vitro radiosensitivity in a manner similar to that found in KB and KB/M1 cells.

DISCUSSION

An increase in R2 protein levels and RR activity in KB/M2 cells results in IR resistance, which appears mediated by enhanced IR damage repair during G2. R1 protein overexpression in these isogenic human tumor cells (KB/M1) did not affect RR activity or IR response.

Cancer of the oropharynx

Oropharyngeal cancer is a rare tumour. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are recognised as major risk factors. Several carcinogens, occupational exposures and vitamin deficiencies represent the most significant predisposing factors. A varying host susceptibility to carcinogens can be inferred. Carcinoma of the oropharynx has to be suspected whenever sore throat, odynophagia, and ear-ache are described by the patient. Biopsy is mandatory for the definitive diagnosis. TNM classification is crucial for treatment decision-making, while stage grouping is less important. Prognostic factors are treatment-related. Standard treatment of T1-T2 tumours is radiation therapy, for T3 and T4 tumour treatment options are controversial. More advanced tumours can be treated either with surgery followed by conventional radiotherapy or by combined chemo-radiation. Non-conventional fractionation radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy may represent a third option. Acute toxicity needs to be managed promptly. Late sequelae are less known. Treatment of such tumours requires a multidisciplinary approach within experienced centres.

Chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: factors affecting toxicity patterns

Radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced squamous carcinoma of the head and neck can be used according to different strategies: concomitant, alternation, consecutive. The limiting acute toxicity is local with the radiosensitizing capacity of the drug and type of radiation fractionation being the predominant factors. Regimens providing more that 50% of complete responses are usually associate with a more than 40% incidence of severelocal reaction. More information is needed on late toxicity that influences the quality of life for these patients.

Full dose reirradiation combined with chemotherapy after salvage surgery in head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze the tolerance and efficacy of full dose reirradiation combined with chemotherapy in patients with head and neck carcinoma (HNC) with a high risk of recurrence after salvage surgery.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 1996, 25 patients having a recurrence or a second primary tumor in a previously irradiated area (> 45 grays [Gy]) were entered in this prospective study. All of them received salvage surgery and had a positive surgical margin and/or lymph node involvement with capsular rupture (N+R+). Adjuvant radiochemotherapy was given, delivering 60 Gy per 30 fractions with concomitant hydroxyurea and 5-fluorouracil. The median total cumulative dose of the 2 irradiations was 118 Gy. The median follow-up after the second irradiation was 66 months.

RESULTS

During the reirradiation course, Grade 3 and 4 mucositis were observed in 40% and 12%, respectively. Analysis of late effects (> 6 months after reirradiation) showed that 16% of the patients had osteoradionecrosis and 40% had Grade 2-3 cervical fibrosis (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring system). The patterns of failure were as follows: local only (n = 9), lymph node only (n = 2), local and lymph node only (n = 1), and metastatic (n = 4). The 4-year survival rate after reirradiation was 43% (95% confidence interval, 25-62).

CONCLUSIONS

Full dose reirradiation combined with chemotherapy after salvage surgery in high risk patients with HNC was feasible with an "acceptable" toxicity and led to a relatively good 5-year survival rate. These results prompted the authors to initiate a multicentric randomized trial that is ongoing (GETTEC-GORTEC 99-01) to evaluate the benefit of adjuvant radiochemotherapy in these types of patients.

Chemotherapy in the management of squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Previously reserved for palliation, chemotherapy is now also a central component of several curative approaches to the management of patients with advanced-stage head and neck cancer. Here we review the results of both induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy trials in patients with curable disease, and chemotherapy trials in patients with recurrent and metastatic disease, and we highlight current areas of investigation. Compared with traditional treatment modalities, chemotherapy given on induction schedules to patients with advanced laryngeal cancer allows greater organ preservation without compromise to survival; when given concomitantly with radiotherapy to patients with resectable or unresectable advanced disease, chemotherapy again improves survival.

Concurrent chemotherapy and "concomitant boost" radiotherapy for unresectable head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

For patients with advanced head and neck cancer, various combined chemoradiotherapy regimens have been used to improve local control. This study was carried out to assess the outcome of concomitant chemotherapy with a "concomitant boost" radiotherapy in the treatment of advanced unresectable head and neck cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients were treated with combined chemoradiotherapy between the years of 1990 and 1995. Cisplatinum (100 mg/m2) was given intravenously during week 1 and week 5. A "concomitant boost" external beam radiotherapy approach was used with twice-daily treatment delivered during the last 2 weeks. A total of 70 Gy was delivered over 6 weeks. Median follow-up was 23.5 months (2-79 months).

RESULTS

Thirty-one (65%) and 17 (35%) patients achieved complete and partial response, respectively. Median survival in complete responders has not been reached. Overall survival at 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years were 58.7%, 52.8%, and 42.4%, respectively. Median overall survival was 38.8 months. Acute confluent mucositis (Radiation Therapy Oncology [RTOG] grade 3) developed in 50% of patients, but there was no severe long-term treatment-related toxicity.

CONCLUSION

This combined chemoradiotherapy approach is safe and efficacious for advanced unresectable head and neck cancer. Treatment-related toxicity was acceptable with 50% of patients developing acute confluent mucositis. There was no severe long-term treatment-related toxicity.

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy as primary therapy for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

To achieve locoregional control of head and neck cancer, survival, and organ preservation using intensive concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was a phase II trial of chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) every 28 days, infusional fluorouracil 800 mg/m(2)/d for 5 days, hydroxyurea 1 g orally every 12 hours for 11 doses, and radiotherapy twice daily at 1.5 Gy/fraction on days 1 through 5 (total dose, 15 Gy). Five days of treatment were followed by 9 days of rest, during which time patients received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Five cycles (three with cisplatin) were administered over 10 weeks (total radiotherapy dose, </= 75 Gy). Adjuvant chemoprevention with retinoic acid and interferon alfa-2A was offered.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were treated (stage IV, 93%; N2, 54%; N3, 21%). At a median follow-up of 38 months, the 3-year progression-free survival is 72%, locoregional control 92%, systemic control 83%, and overall survival 55%. Toxicities included mucositis (grade 3, 45%; grade 4, 12%), neutropenia (grade 4, 39%), and thrombocytopenia (grade 4, 53%). Surgery at the primary site was performed in 13 patients, and 39 had neck dissection. A majority of patients declined adjuvant chemoprevention. Pharmacokinetic parameters were not prognostic of tumor control. Quality of life declined during treatment but returned from good to excellent by 12 months after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Intensive concomitant chemoradiotherapy leads to high locoregional control and survival rates with organ preservation and a reversal of the historical pattern of failure (distant > locoregional). Surgery after concomitant chemoradiotherapy is feasible. Compliance with adjuvant chemoprevention is poor. Identification of less toxic regimens and improved distant disease control emerge as important future research goals.

Taxanes as radiosensitizers for head and neck cancer

Combinations of paclitaxel and radiation therapy or paclitaxel with other chemotherapy agents and radiation have been tested with variable results in patient populations. To date, three phase I trials have been conducted using paclitaxel alone in combination with radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer. Dose-limiting toxicity in the 1-hour infusion was mucositis, whereas in the 24-h/wk infusion, fever was the dose-limiting toxicity. In the long-term infusion (24 h/d, 7 d/wk), no dose-limiting toxicity was seen at the doses of paclitaxel given. In two of the protocols in which biopsies were obtained, a G2/M block was observed. A phase I protocol using paclitaxel in combination with fluorouracil and hydroxyurea with radiation and a phase II protocol using paclitaxel with cisplatin in operable head and neck cancers have been reported. Preliminary results suggest that paclitaxel in combination with radiotherapy is a reasonable experimental treatment that deserves further study in patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Concomitant chemotherapy and reirradiation as management for recurrent cancer of the head and neck

Thirty-five patients with inoperable recurrent head and neck cancer previously treated with definitive irradiation were treated with reirradiation and concomitant chemotherapy. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed to assess toxicity, response, and survival. Patients received one of three regimens: 1) 40 Gy total (2 Gy daily), 300 mg/m2 5-fluorouracil intravenous bolus, and 2 g hydroxyurea orally daily for 5 days; 2) 48 Gy total (1.2 Gy twice daily), 300 mg/m2 5-fluorouracil intravenous bolus, and 1.5 g hydroxyurea orally daily for 5 days; 3) 60 Gy total (1.5 Gy twice daily), 300 mg/m2 5-fluorouracil intravenous bolus, and 1.5 g hydroxyurea orally daily for 5 days. For all regimens, treatment was given only on weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. Acute toxicity was mainly hematologic and was less severe with the lower hydroxyurea dose. Acute mucosal and skin toxicity was acceptable for all regimens. Late toxicity was noted in 4 of 17 patients who survived 12 months or more. Late effects were Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 3 or less. Fifteen of 35 patients achieved a complete response, and 11 of 35 patients achieved a partial response. The median survival rate was 10.5 months. There was no significant difference in responses or median survival between the groups. Reirradiation of head and neck cancer with 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea offers acceptable acute toxicity and minimal late effects. The clinical response rates and median survival are encouraging. Further investigation is warranted.