Intensification Regimen 2 for Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Abstract

Local control and patient compliance were encouraging, but systemic toxicity was unacceptable. Thus, the paclitaxel was changed to a weekly regimen.

Disease control, survival, and functional outcome after multimodal treatment for advanced‐stage tongue base cancer

“…No significant difference was noted in speech performance scores (86.1 21 This study examines a subpopulation of 40 patients with previously untreated, advanced resectable SCC of the tongue base derived from three larger phase II pilot studies involving multimodal intensified treatment protocols for advanced SCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. 14,15,17 The rationale for choosing the therapeutic agents and treatment sequence for each protocol are described in detail elsewhere. 14,15,17 One of the primary goals of this study was to assess patient survival and disease control with this regimen, because the ultimate goal of therapy is to cure the patient of his or her cancer.…”

“…14,15,17 The rationale for choosing the therapeutic agents and treatment sequence for each protocol are described in detail elsewhere. 14,15,17 One of the primary goals of this study was to assess patient survival and disease control with this regimen, because the ultimate goal of therapy is to cure the patient of his or her cancer. In addition, minimizing patient morbidity is also crucial in treatment planning.…”

“…In these studies, the rates of distant metastases subsequently declined from 19% in IR1 when cisplatin was used alone to 8% and 9% in IR2 and IR3, respectively. 14,15,17 Continued efforts must be directed at initial treatment of the systemic disease component as locoregional disease control continues to improve.…”

“…The specific treatment-related toxicities for patients treated according to IR1, IR2, and IR3 protocols are reported in detail elsewhere. 14,15,17 The most common toxicities with these protocols are mucositis, hematologic toxicity, and infection. The higher toxicity observed with more intensive combined-modality therapies for advanced stage head and neck cancer continues to be a significant challenge in the current treatment regimen, as well as other similar regimens.…”

“…14,15,17 Some variations exist between the three independent but related pilot studies, but the overall schema as described in the following and inclusion/exclusion criteria are similar. Therefore, combining patients with tongue base cancer from each pilot study to assess efficacy of the regimen and evaluate functional status is believed to be justifiable.…”