Docetaxel induction therapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) are often treated with induction chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, but to date without major impact on survival. The combination of cisplatin-5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (PF) has been used as standard induction therapy; however, poor patient survival has stimulated investigation into new agents with potential activity in SCCHN. Docetaxel has significant single-agent activity in SCCHN and has been investigated in combination with PF regimens as induction therapy. The results of six phase II studies of docetaxel-PF regimens (TPF) as induction in locally advanced SCCHN patients are reviewed and reported. Consistently, high 2-year survival rates and overall response rates were demonstrated across the phase II trials in the range 42-82 and 71-100%, respectively. The toxicity profile seen with TPF-based regimens was acceptable. The primary toxicity was neutropenia, which together with gastrointestinal complaints accounted for the majority of adverse events. Given the encouraging phase II experience with TPF-based regimens, two large-scale phase III studies comparing TPF-based regimens with standard PF regimens are underway. The results have significant potential for validating the findings of the phase II studies, demonstrating improved survival and overall response of patients treated with docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy.