High-dose intra-arterial cisplatin boost with hyperfractionated radiation therapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Using low-dose radiation to potentiate the effect of induction chemotherapy in head and neck cancer: Results of a prospective phase 2 trial

Purpose

Low-dose fractionated radiation therapy (LDFRT) induces effective cell killing through hyperradiation sensitivity and potentiates effects of chemotherapy. We report our second investigation of LDFRT as a potentiator of the chemotherapeutic effect of induction carboplatin and paclitaxel in locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Experimental design

Two cycles of induction therapy were given every 21 days: paclitaxel (75 mg/m²) on days 1, 8, and 15; carboplatin (area under the curve 6) day 1; and LDFRT 50 cGy fractions (2 each on days 1, 2, 8, and 15). Objectives included primary site complete response rate; secondary included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), disease-specific survival, and toxicity.

Results

A total of 24 evaluable patients were enrolled. Primary sites included oropharynx (62.5%), larynx (20.8%), oral cavity (8.3%), and hypopharynx (8.3%). Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (20%), leukopenia (32%), dehydration/hypotension (8%), anemia (4%), infection (4%), pulmonary/allergic rhinitis (4%), and diarrhea (4%). Primary site response rate was 23/24 (95.8%): 15/24 (62.5%) complete response, 8/24 (33.3%) partial response, and 1/24 (4.2%) stable disease. With median follow-up of 7.75 years, 9-year rates for overall survival were 49.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.5-79.9), PFS was 72.2% (CI, 55.3-94.3), and disease-specific survival was 65.4% (44.3-96.4).

Conclusion

Chemopotentiating LDFRT combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin is effective in SCCHN and provided an excellent median overall survival of 107.2 months, with median PFS not yet reached in this locally advanced SCCHN cohort. This compares favorably to prior investigations and caused fewer grade 3 and 4 toxicities than more intensive, 3-drug induction regimens. This trial demonstrates the innovative use of LDFRT as a potentiator of chemotherapy.

Spatially Fractionated GRID Radiation Treatment of Advanced Neck Disease Associated with Head and Neck Cancer

Advanced nodal disease associated with head and neck cancer warrants aggressive, often multi-modality therapy to maximize local-regional control. The expansion of a novel treatment paradigm developed by our institution includes the addition of a single-fraction of high dose spatially-fractionated radiation (GRID) to a conventional course of treatment.

Between 1995 and 2002 a series of 27 patients (median age 65) with bulky N2-3 disease were treated. Median nodal tumor size was 7 cm. Two groups of patients were evaluated. Group 1 (N=14) patients received a median neck dose 69 Gy (range 54–79 Gy) plus GRID treatment. Group 2 (N=13) patients received a median neck dose of 59 Gy (range 54–72 Gy) plus GRID treatment followed by planned neck dissection. Patients were evaluated for local-regional control, pathological response, survival, and morbidity.

Median time to follow-up for Group 1 was 10 months (range 3–44 months). Neck control was 93%. Disease specific survival was 50%. Morbidity was limited to soft-tissue related damage and was mild. Median time to follow-up for Group 2 was 38 months (range 5–116 months). Pathologic complete response rate was 85%. Overall neck control rate was 92%. Disease specific survival was 85%. Surgical morbidity was limited to three wound healing complications.

GRID treatment may be safely added to conventional treatment management of locally advanced neck disease related to cancer with acceptable morbidity. It may improve pathologic complete response rates in those patients who undergo planned neck dissection, possibly leading to improved survival. In patients with inoperable bulky disease, addition of GRID enhances local-regional control.

Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy in advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

AIM

To investigate whether neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy down-stages the tumors and predicts ultimate outcome in patients with advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with stage III and IV cancers received two cycles of intra-arterial cisplatin (40 mg/m(2)) at days 1 and 15, infused super-selectively into superior thyroid artery. Interim evaluation using RECIST 1.1 and volumetry was done in all patients at day 25. Subsequently, the patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy or surgery with radiotherapy. Final evaluation was done in 10 patients.

RESULTS

At interim evaluation, five patients qualified as responders. Partial response, stable disease and progressive disease rates were 40, 33 and 27%, respectively. At final evaluation, complete response was noted in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

At interim evaluation, the response rates were lower compared to intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy and response to intra-arterial chemotherapy did not predict the ultimate outcome. Thus neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy offers no advantage over concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Microvascular reconstruction after intra-arterial chemotherapy with concomitant radiation

OBJECTIVE

While the success of microvascular reconstruction is well established, even in the setting of prior radiotherapy, the outcomes in the setting of prior chemoradiation are less well documented. We present our experience with microvascular reconstruction in a unique cohort of patients previously treated with concomitant hyperfractionated radiation and intra-arterial chemotherapy (HYPERRADPLAT). Despite the observation in prior studies of minimal vessel damage in this setting, the hypothesis of this study is that in the late setting of most salvage surgical therapy, either for recurrence or osteoradionecrosis, a different, progressive level of vessel injury may be encountered.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral academic medical center practice.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eighty-four patients received primary treatment for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with HYPERRADPLAT. Of these, 8 patients (10%) underwent free tissue transfer reconstruction and a total of 11 free flaps.

RESULTS

Wound breakdown, fistula, or both occurred postoperatively in 50% (4/8) of these patients. No complications of the venous anastomoses occurred. Fifty percent (4/8) of patients required return to surgery for arterial failure due to thrombosis of the anastomosis. Two cases of these flaps could not be salvaged.

CONCLUSION

Microvascular reconstruction following HYPERRADPLAT appears to result in a high number of arterial related complications. This experience implies an important delayed treatment effect of HYPERRADPLAT occurs upon recipient arteries. The manner in which this effect may occur in recipient arteries in the setting of more conventional chemoradiation requires further study.

Accelerated fractionation radiotherapy and late intensification with 2 intra-arterial cisplatin infusions for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study was established to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intra-arterial cisplatin (IAC) concurrent with accelerated fractionation radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

We conducted a phase I study. Treatment consisted of 70 Gy/35 fractions/5.8 weeks and 2 weekly IAC infusions during the last 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Ten patients were recruited. Two patients had stage III, 1 had stage IVa, and 7 had stage IVb disease. Three patients received IAC at 100 mg/m(2), 3 at 125 mg/m(2), and 4 at 150 mg/m(2). Nine patients received both planned infusions. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred at 150 mg/m(2) as transient grade 4 leukopenia and prolonged grade 3 acute skin reactions. The maximum tolerated dose was 125 mg/m(2). Six patients survived disease-free at 39 to 67 months.

CONCLUSIONS

It was feasible to give IAC concurrent with accelerated fractionation radiotherapy for locally advanced HNSCC. The maximum tolerated dose of cisplatin was 125 mg/m(2).

Intra-arterial chemotherapy with osmotic blood-brain barrier disruption for aggressive oligodendroglial tumors: results of a phase I study

OBJECTIVE

Refractory anaplastic oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma tumors are challenging to treat. This trial primarily evaluated toxicity and estimated the maximum tolerated dose of intra-arterial (IA) melphalan, IA carboplatin, and intravenous (IV) etoposide phosphate in conjunction with blood-brain barrier disruption in these tumors. The secondary measure was efficacy.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with temozolomide-refractory anaplastic oligodendroglioma (11 patients) or oligoastrocytoma (2 patients) underwent blood-brain barrier disruption with carboplatin (IA, 200 mg/m(2)/d), etoposide phosphate (IV, 200 mg/m(2)/d), and melphalan (IA, dose escalation) every 4 weeks, for up to 1 year. Patients underwent melphalan dose escalation (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 mg/m(2)/d) until the maximum tolerated dose (1 level below that producing grade 4 toxicity) was determined. Toxicity and efficacy were assessed.

RESULTS

Two of 4 patients receiving IA melphalan at 8 mg/m(2)/d developed grade 4 thrombocytopenia; thus, the melphalan maximum tolerated dose was 4 mg/m/d. Adverse events included asymptomatic subintimal tear (1 patient) and grade 4 thrombocytopenia (3 patients). Two patients demonstrated complete response, 3 had partial responses, 5 demonstrated stable disease, and 3 progressed. Median overall progression-free survival was 11 months. Patients with complete or partial response demonstrated deletion of chromosomes 1p and 19q. In the 5 patients with stable disease, 2 demonstrated 1p and 19q deletion, and 3 demonstrated 19q deletion only.

CONCLUSION

In patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma or oligoastrocytoma tumors in whom temozolomide treatment has failed, osmotic blood-brain barrier disruption with IA carboplatin, IV etoposide phosphate, and IA melphalan (4 mg/m(2)/d for 2 days) shows acceptable toxicity and encouraging efficacy, especially in patients demonstrating 1p and/or 19q deletion.

Concurrent intra-arterial carboplatin administration and radiation therapy for the treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: short term results

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival, efficacy and safety of a modified RADPLAT-like protocol using carboplatin instead of cisplatin.

Methods

Fifty-six patients with primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma received 4 cycles of intra-arterial carboplatin (350 mg/m² per cycle every 2 weeks), with concurrent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.

Results

Two major and 4 minor complications were observed. Forty-five of the 56 patients (80%) completed the protocol, while 11 (20%) patients had to discontinue the intra-arterial infusions due to the occurrence of severe haematological toxicity, but were able to complete radiotherapy.

Forty-four (98%) of the 45 patients who completed the protocol and 10 (91%) of the 11 who did not, were free of disease at the end of the treatment, for a comprehensive 96% of CR overall.

After a median 23.55 months (range: 2 to 58 months) of follow-up, 40 patients (71%) are alive and disease-free, 1 (2%) is alive but affected by disease and 15 (27%) have died of the disease or other causes.

Conclusion

Intra-arterial carboplatin administration with concurrent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy seems to be a promising alternative to RADPLAT in the treatment of advanced head and neck tumours. Haematological and non-haematological toxicities are virtually similar, but carboplatin has the advantage in that it is not nephrotoxic and can be used at very high doses without any significant increase in the extent of side effects.

Radiotherapy and concomitant intraarterial cisplatin (RADPLAT) for advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

PURPOSE

Review of the University of Florida experience in treating advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck with concurrent intraarterial cisplatin and radiotherapy (RADPLAT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients with Stage III or IV head and neck squamous cell carcinomas were treated between November 2000 and October 2001 with 3 to 4 cycles of weekly intraarterial cisplatin (150 mg/m2) and a rapid infusion of the neutralizing agent sodium thiosulfate (9 g/m2), followed by a continuous infusion of sodium thiosulfate (12 g/m2), with concomitant radiotherapy (RT). The primary site was treated with 70 Gy in 35 fractions with 6 MV photons, and the low neck received 50 to 70 Gy depending on nodal involvement. Median follow-up for all patients was 4.06 years; median follow-up for living patients was 4.34 years.

RESULTS

The 4-year outcomes were: local-regional control, 78%; distant metastasis-free survival, 83%; cause-specific survival, 65%; and survival, 57%. The majority of patients with recurrent disease failed at the primary site (73%); the remaining 27% of patients with recurrent disease failed only in distant sites. Nine patients required a neck dissection after chemoradiation because of suspected residual disease; 2 of 9 patients had residual tumor in the neck nodes. Severe osteoradionecrosis occurred in 26% of patients, and 9 of 35 patients (26%) required a permanent gastrostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

RADPLAT results in excellent local-regional control and survival in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Outcomes from the University of Florida are comparable to those reported by other institutions. However, in our limited experience, the likelihood of osteoradionecrosis and permanent gastrostomy may be higher than what might be anticipated after RT alone or combined with intravenous chemotherapy.

The chemoradiation paradigm in head and neck cancer

In this article, we use the example of head and neck cancer to show how concurrent chemoradiotherapy is used to treat a cancer where locoregional control is central for treatment success. The advent of concurrent chemoradiation has significantly contributed to the curability of head and neck cancer, including locoregionally advanced disease. Preserving organ function and reducing toxic effects are increasingly the focus of clinical trials. We review the available chemoradiotherapy platforms used for head and neck cancer, with initial discussions focused on single-agent cytotoxic-based regimens. We then assess the literature on multiagent-based regimens and include a discussion of the integration of novel agents, such as EGFR inhibitors, and antiangiogenic drugs into treatment platforms. Although single-agent cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy is still widely used as a standard therapy, we propose that evidence increasingly shows that multiagent-based chemoradiotherapy, and EGFR-inhibitor-based treatments, offer distinct advantages. We provide guidance for clinicians based on current clinical trial evidence on how to choose appropriate treatment platforms for their patients.

Long-term results of hyperfractionated radiation and high-dose intraarterial cisplatin for unresectable oropharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

In this report, the authors present the results from a study of patients with unresectable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas who were treated on a protocol of hyperfractionated radiation and high-dose intraarterial cisplatin (HYPERRADPLAT) at the University of Kentucky.

METHODS

The study was designed as a prospective, single-armed case series that was conducted in the setting of a single, academic, tertiary referral center. The patient cohort consisted of 24 previously untreated patients who were diagnosed with unresectable oropharyngeal carcinoma and were treated on the HYPERRADPLAT regimen, which included hyperfractionated external beam radiotherapy (1.2 grays [Gy] twice daily) was given for 5 weeks (60 Gy) followed by high-dose intraarterial cisplatin (150 mg/m2) and sodium thiosulfate. Shrinking "large-field" portals were started on Week 6 and finished on Week 7 with a cumulative dose of 76.8-81.6 Gy. The main outcome measures of the study were the primary and neck response rates, the 2-year and 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates, and acute and late treatment morbidity.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 77 months. Complete response rates at the primary and regional lymph nodes were both 88%. The 2-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 57% and 68%, respectively; whereas the 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 33% and 42%, respectively. Two patients had Grade 4 mucosal toxicity, and no patient experienced neurologic or significant hematologic toxicities. Within 1 year of treatment, 58% of patients had used a feeding tube.

CONCLUSIONS

The HYPERRADPLAT regimen produced excellent response rates and overall survival rates comparable to those achieved by patients who had unresectable oropharyngeal carcinomas. Tolerance of the therapy was good, and further studies using HYPERRADPLAT with induction therapy may improve outcomes further in this subset of patients with unfavorable disease.

The treatment of advanced sinonasal malignancies with pre-operative intra-arterial cisplatin and concurrent radiation

INTRODUCTION

Malignancies of the nasal and paranasal sinuses are uncommon tumors, accounting for only 3% of all aerodigestive tract neoplasms. Despite advances in surgical techniques and continued evolution of adjuvant therapies, the 5-year mortality remains unusually high at greater than 50%. In 1996, we begin utilizing a novel strategy in the treatment of advanced sinonasal carcinomas. This consisted of neoadjuvant selective intra-arterial cisplatin with concurrent radiation therapy (acronym RADPLAT) followed by a conservative craniofacial resection. We now report our results for 11 patients treated with this regimen.

METHODS

Between July 1996 and April 2003, 11 patients with advanced sinonasal malignancies underwent treatment utilizing the RADPLAT protocol followed by a planned surgical resection via a craniofacial approach. Patient charts, operative notes, follow-up clinic notes, and pre- and post-operative imaging studies were reviewed in detail for each subject.

RESULTS

Histopathological analysis of the tumors revealed seven squamous cell carcinomas (64%), two adenocarcinomas (18%), one adenoid cystic carcinoma (9%), and one sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (9%). T4N0M0 disease was present in nine patients (81%), and two patients had T3N0M0 disease (19%). Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method with an overall survival of 81% at 5 years and a progression-free survival at 5 years of 67%. Mean follow-up is 57.2 months ranging from 12 to 95 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of advanced sinonasal malignancies with pre-operative intra-arterial cisplatin and concurrent radiation results in a significant improvement in survival. This can be done safely with high response rates and excellent loco-regional control in T3 and T4 disease. Although are results are encouraging, there is a need for a cooperative, multi-institutional, prospective study.

A pilot study of high-dose intraarterial cisplatin chemotherapy with concomitant accelerated radiotherapy for patients with previously untreated T4 and selected patients with T3N0-N3M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract

BACKGROUND

This Phase I clinical trial was developed to assess the feasibility of combining high-dose intraarterial cisplatin chemotherapy with concurrent, concomitant boost accelerated radiation therapy for patients with previously untreated T4 and select patients with T3N0-N3M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract.

METHODS

Between July 1999, and February 2002, 19 patients were treated with 3 or 4 weekly cycles of intraarterial Cisplatin chemotherapy (150 mg/m(2)) with concurrent, concomitant boost accelerated radiation therapy (72 grays in 42 fractions over 6 weeks).

RESULTS

Two patient deaths occurred among the first 15 patients enrolled. Both patients presented with febrile neutropenia, and both died of complications related to infection. The number of cycles of intraarterial cisplatin was reduced from four cycles to three cycles, and an additional four patients were treated. The fourth patient treated on the modified protocol developed febrile neutropenia, sepsis, and a thromboembolic event, which resulted in lower extremity amputations. The maximum acute toxicity experienced was Grade 2 in 6 patients, Grade 3 in 5 patients, Grade 4 in 6 patients, and Grade 5 in 2 patients. With a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 6.2-34.6 months), the overall survival at 1 year was 89.5% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 76.7-100%). At 1 year, 92.9% of the patients were free from disease progression (95%CI, 80.3-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that concurrent intraarterial cisplatin chemotherapy at a dose of 150 mg/m(2) with concomitant boost accelerated radiation therapy is not feasible.

The evaluation of amifostine for mucosal protection in patients with advanced loco-regional Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) treated with concurrent weekly carboplatin, paclitaxel, and daily Radiotherapy (RT)

Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation has improved the outcome for patients presenting with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). These improvements have come at a cost of increased treatment-related toxicities. We previously reported the results of a phase II trial examining the role of concurrent carboplatin, paclitaxel, and daily radiotherapy (RT) in SCCHN. In an attempt to decrease these side effects, we conducted a prospective phase II trial evaluating the role of amifostine (Ethyol, MedImmune Oncology, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD) in patients treated with this concurrent chemoRT scheme. From April 2002 to September 2004, 19 patients with stage III-IV SCCHN were enrolled on a prospective phase II trial. Treatment consisted of daily RT delivered to 70.2 Gy (1.8 Gy/fx) with amifostine 500 mg IV (<1 hour before RT), and concurrent weekly carboplatin (100 mg/m2) and paclitaxel (40 mg/m2). Median age was 58.5 years (range, 48 to 70 years); male to female ratio was, 83%:17%; Caucasian versus other was, 61%/39%. Tumor characteristics based on histology were: primary cancers of the oropharynx (55.6%); supraglottic larynx (16.7%); hypopharynx (16.7%); oral cavity (5.6%); and unknown primaries (5.6%). All patients presented with locally advanced, unresectable disease T4 (50%), T3 (27.8%), and advanced nodal disease (N2b-N3) (78%). Toxicities were measured weekly during treatment and at each follow-up visit. Disease response to therapy was determined 2 months after completion of therapy. Seventeen patients are evaluable for response and survival at 2 months following completion of RT. Eighty-four percent completed the prescribed radiation treatment, and 84% of patients received more than six cycles of chemotherapy. The median number of missed chemotherapy cycles was 1.5 (range, 0 to 5 cycles). Fifty-six percent of patients received more than 90% of prescribed amifostine doses, with chemoRT-related toxicity being the most common reason for withholding the dose (77%). Median doses of missed amifostine were three (range, 0 to 30 doses). Grade 3 toxicities associated with therapy were: mucositis and dysphagia (40% of patients each), dehydration (27%), xerostomia (20%), and dermatitis (20%); 53% of patients experienced grade 3 leukopenia, while grade 3/4 neutropenia developed in 20%/13%. No grade 4/5 nonhematologic toxicities were encountered. Forty percent of patients completed RT without unscheduled treatment breaks secondary to treatment-related toxicity. Median treatment-break time was 5 days (range, 0 to 20 days). Clinical complete response at both the primary site of disease and neck was achieved in 75% of patients 2 months following completion of RT. Weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel administered concurrently with definitive RT and daily amifostine is well tolerated, with over 85% of patients completing therapy with acceptable toxicity. The addition of amifostine appears to decrease treatment-related toxicity without impacting efficacy.

High-dose superselective intra-arterial cisplatin and concomitant radiation (RADPLAT) for advanced head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to study the effect of intensive targeted chemoradiation in a group of patients with head and neck cancer with stage IV inoperable disease.

METHODS

We examined 79 patients with inoperable stage IV head and neck cancer receiving intra-arterial infusion of high-dose cisplatin (150 mg/m(2)) on days 2, 9, 16, and 23 concomitant with delivery of external beam radiotherapy (total dose, 70 Gy; 2 Gy, 35 fractions; 1 fraction/day for 7 weeks). Sodium thiosulfate was administered intravenously to provide effective cisplatin neutralization.

RESULTS

Four patients were not assessable. Complete local tumor response was achieved in 72 patients (91%) and a partial response in three patients. The complete response rate of neck node metastases was 90%. The 1- and 2-year locoregional control rates were 82% and 69%, respectively. The median overall survival time was 2.2 years, with a 3-year overall survival probability of 43%. Acute toxicities were as follows: grade III/IV hematologic toxicity (22%/16%), grade III/IV nephrotoxicity (0%), grade III mucositis (43%), grade III skin reactions (24%), grade III toxicity of the upper gastrointestinal tract (57%), grade III nausea (20%), and grade III subjective hearing loss (10%). Grade V toxicity (treatment-related deaths) was 3.8%. Six (18%) of 33 patients with complete remission needed tube feeding 2 years after treatment without intercurrent salvage surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Supradose superselective intra-arterial cisplatin and concomitant radiation is an effective organ-preserving therapy in an unfavorable group of patients. Our series confirms encouraging results reported previously. This regimen is justified in unresectable patients despite the substantial toxicity.

Low-dose fractionated radiation as a chemopotentiator of neoadjuvant paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: results of a new treatment paradigm

PURPOSE

Current therapies for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) result in 50% long-term remission. Low-dose radiotherapy (<100 cGy) induces enhanced cell killing in vitro via the hyper-radiation sensitivity phenomenon but has not been used in the clinical setting. On the basis of the demonstrated synergy between chemotherapy and low-dose fractionated RT, a novel neoadjuvant therapy was designed using low-dose fractionated RT as a chemopotentiator for locally advanced SCCHN.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty patients with locally advanced SCCHN received paclitaxel (225 mg/m2), carboplatin (area under the curve of 6), and four 80-cGy fractions of radiotherapy (two each on Days 1 and 2). This sequence was repeated on Days 22 and 23.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients enrolled, 39 were assessable. Grade 3 or worse toxicities included neutropenia (50%), infection (13%), arthralgias/myalgias (3%), skin (8%), lung (3%), and allergic reaction (3%), with no Grade 5 toxicity. The response was assessed radiographically and by panendoscopy. At the primary site, 11 patients (28%) had a complete response, 24 (62%) had a partial response, and 4 (10%) had stable disease. Of those with lymph node involvement, 10 (31%) had a complete response, 12 (38%) a partial response, 9 (28%) had stable disease, and 1 (3%) had progressive disease. The overall response rate was 82%.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose fractionated RT combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin is effective in SCCHN and has a similar toxicity profile to chemotherapy alone. This novel approach provided a response rate of 90% at the primary site and a nodal response rate of 69%. Additional scientific investigation of this new treatment paradigm is warranted.

Population pharmacokinetics of cisplatin after 120-h infusion: application to routine adaptive control with feedback

OBJECTIVE

A Bayesian population pharmacokinetics study of data from routine therapeutic drug monitoring cisplatin during a 5-day infusion of cisplatin.

METHODS

A total of 95 kinetics data sets (58 patients) were available to perform this study. Individual pharmacokinetic parameters, estimated from 20 courses of treatment in 18 patients, were used to calculate the population parameters (cl: 0.175 +/- 0.034 L/h; t(1/2): 327 +/- 91 h). The accuracy of Bayesian forecasting was tested by comparing in 40 other patients the clearance values calculated either from a complete kinetics profile (eight sampling times) or from three early samples and the new population parameters. Finally, drug monitoring efficacy was assessed by comparing the target Cmax values with the Cmax obtained after dose adjustment based upon early Bayesian estimation of the individual pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

: No significant difference was found between Bayesian and experimental clearances. Besides, dose-individualization proved to successfully adjust Cmax values around their respective target.

CONCLUSION

The new reference pharmacokinetic population parameters lead to accurate estimation of individual pharmacokinetic parameters from a limited number of samples, thus allowing efficient therapeutic drug monitoring during 5-day infusion regimens of cisplatin.

Altered fractionation and/or adjuvant chemotherapy in definitive irradiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE

To review the roles of altered fractionation and adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

STUDY DESIGN

Review of the pertinent literature.

METHODS

The literature pertaining to altered fractionation and/or adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck was reviewed to define the optimal combination of radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The efficacy of altered fractionation compared with conventional fractionation depends on the fractionation schedule employed. Some hyperfractionated and accelerated fractionation schedules have resulted in improved locoregional control but no significant improvement in overall survival. In contrast to induction and maintenance chemotherapy, concomitant chemotherapy appears to result in improved locoregional control and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered fractionation and/or concomitant chemotherapy results in improved locoregional control and, in some instances, survival for patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Depending on primary site, the applicability of these aggressive treatment regimens is limited by an enhanced probability of severe complications as tumor volume increases. The optimal combination of these modalities is unclear and will be defined by future prospective trials.

Interval pathologic assessments in patients treated with concurrent hyperfractionated radiation and intraarterial cisplatin (HYPERRADPLAT)

BACKGROUND

To minimize surgical morbidity, surgery should be performed within 2 to 3 months of completion of radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. Pathologic demonstration of cancer at this interval is commonly used to justify early surgical salvage of residual primary head and neck cancer. These assumptions regarding head and neck cancer in patients treated with concurrent hyperfractionated radiation therapy and intraarterial supradose cisplatin (HYPERRADPLAT) have never been evaluated.

METHODS

Post-HYPERRADPLAT clinical and pathologic findings in 42 patients with stage III and IV head and neck cancer were compared with their disease outcomes. All patients underwent an interval analysis of response at 6 to 10 weeks after completion of therapy, 28 of these patients had biopsies of the primary tumor site performed.

RESULTS

Clinical findings of cancer with pathologic confirmation up to 4 months after therapy can be associated with eventual complete response (CR). Pathologic CR's from deep incisional biopsies can be associated with recurrent disease within 2 months. Six HYPERRADPLAT-treated patients underwent interval surgical resection of primary disease, and only the four patients with cancer identified in the resection specimen died of recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

In patients treated with HYPERRADPLAT, interval clinical and pathologic assessments may be misleading. Only observation of progressive disease is an accurate predictor of local failure. New evaluation techniques such as metabolic imaging and molecular analysis warrant exploration as tools for interval cancer evaluations.

A phase II study of concomitant hyperfractionated radiation therapy and double dose intra-arterial cisplatin for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

This successor phase II study evaluates the tolerability and efficacy of concomitant hyperfractionated radiation therapy (HFX-RT) and double dose intra-arterial (IA) cisplatin in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). In doing so, this study represents further resurgence of the potential use of IA chemotherapy in the management of SCCHN. This has been enabled by the evolution of angiographic catheter/microcatherter technology. Between 1997 and 1999, 24 patients with locally advanced T4/T3 SCCHN were treated with HFX-RT (76.8- 81.6 Gy at 1.2 Gy bid over 6-7 weeks) and high-dose IA cisplatin (150mg/m2 given at the start of and during RT boost treatment [start of week 6 and 7]). Twenty-two patients (92%) had T4 disease and 14 (58%) N2/ N3 disease. Acute toxicity was limited to two grade 4 (8%) and 19 grade 3 (79%) mucosal events; and single grade 3 hematologic, infectious and skin events. Eight patients (33%) were unable to receive the second planned dose of IA cisplatin. Twenty-two patients had complete response (92%) at the primary site. Among 17 patients with positive neck disease 12 (71%) achieved complete response in the neck. Follow-up ranges from 7-30 months (median = 18 months) with 14 patients alive without disease, 2 alive with disease, 7 dead of disease and 1 dead of intercurrent disease. While concomitant HFX-RT and double dose IA cisplatin as used in this study is associated with encouraging response rates in this highly unfavorable subset of patients with locally advanced SCCHN it was not feasible. Future investigation of this novel treatment strategy utilizing modern angiographic catheter/microcatherter technology will involve a single dose of IA cisplatin with HFX-RT and dose intensification using neoadjuvant therapy.