Gefitinib plus concomitant boost accelerated radiation (AFX-CB) and concurrent weekly cisplatin for locally advanced unresectable squamous cell head and neck carcinomas (SCCHN): A phase II study

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Background: Molecular inhibition of EGFR signaling represents one of the most promising current advances for the treatment of SCCHN. This study assesses the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of gefitinib along with AFX-CB regimen and weekly cisplatin in treatment- naïve patients (pts) with locally advanced unresectable SCCHN. Methods: Eligible pts had stage III-IV SCCHN, exclusive of nasopharyngeal cancer. Tumors had to be considered unresectable by a multidisciplinary head/neck tumor board. AFX-CB dose was 72 Gy in 42 fractions over 6 weeks, delivered in 1 daily fraction of 1.8 Gy during the first 3.5 weeks and 2 fractions per day, 1.8 Gy and 1.5 Gy separated by a 6-hour interval, during the last 2.5 weeks. Cisplatin (40 mg/m2) was given weekly for the first 4 weeks. Gefitinib (250 mg PO OD) was started 1 day before radiochemotherapy (RCT) and continued 3 months after the end of AFX-CB. Response was evaluated 3 months after radiotherapy using RECIST criteria. Mucosal and skin toxicities were evaluated using the RTOG scale. Results: From Dec 2002 to Dec 2004, 46 pts with SCCHN, ECOG PS 0–1 and adequate hematologic and renal functions were included. Median age was 55 years (range, 39 to 75); T4, 73%; N2/3, 61%; stage IV disease, 93%. Four pts did not complete the concomitant treatment (1 PD/3 toxicity) and 8 pts did not complete the gefitinib monotherapy phase due to PD. Grade 3 and 4 toxicity was consistent with previous RCT or single agent gefitinib trials, and included mucositis (40% and 7%, respectively), radiation dermatitis (14% and 0%), skin rash (5% and 0%), and diarrhea (2% and 0%). Chemotherapy-associated toxicity was mild with only 2 cases of grade 3 neutropenia and 3 cases of grade 3 anaemia. Three months after AFX- CB, 24 pts (52%) achieved a complete remission, 5 pts (11%) a partial remission, and 17 pts (37%) were non-responders (SD, PD, and not evaluable). With a median follow-up of 23 months (range 1–43) 2-year PFS and OS are 47% and 56% respectively. Conclusions: The addition of gefitinib to radiochemotherapy appears tolerable and feasible. Efficacy is encouraging for this poor prognosis population, and further development of this targeted combined-modality paradigm is warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Survival evaluation of treatment modality in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx

The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and oropharynx continues to change. In this primary report, we compared the results obtained by combined surgery and radiation therapy, or either modality alone. Other methods such as brachytherapy, or hyperfractionated radiotherapy, were not included in our protocols. A statistical analysis of the 3- and 5-year survival rates in relation to location and size of the primary tumour, stage at initial presentation, treatment modality and recurrence, was carried out in 88 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx. The overall survival rate was 73.8% at 3 years and 66.3% at 5 years. Size of tumour and stage at presentation were significant when P value was adjusted by site. Survival was significantly associated with type of treatment (combined approach obtained superior results), location of primary tumour, and recurrence. The type of neck dissection did not show any effect. Therapeutic modality used, stage, and location of primary tumour significantly influenced survival. A more selective combined initial treatment according to site and stage (distribution) is recommended.

Induction chemotherapy with cisplatin, bleomycin and methotrexate in advanced head and neck cancer--lack of therapeutic gain

Seventy patients with stage IV head and neck cancer were treated by two courses of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery plus postoperative irradiation (7) or radical radiotherapy (62). One patient renounced to further treatment after chemotherapy. Each chemotherapy course consisted of methotrexate (40 mg/m2 days 1 and 14), bleomycin (10 mg/m2 days 1, 7 and 14), and cisplatin (50 mg/m2 day 4). Three patients did not complete the two courses of chemotherapy planned due to bad tolerance whereas the rest of the patients tolerated chemotherapy well. 2 CR (3%) and 35 PR (50%) were achieved for an overall response rate to chemotherapy of 53%. 35 (50%) CR were achieved with the whole treatment schedule. The 5-year disease-free survival is 26% for the whole group of patients. The prior response to chemotherapy neither influenced the complete responses to treatment nor the relapse-free survival. The addition of this chemotherapy to conventional treatment was of no value.