A Phase II Trial Evaluating Weekly Docetaxel and Capecitabine in Patients with Metastatic or Advanced, Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancers

ABSTRACT

We conducted a phase II study to determine the response rate and toxicity of weekly docetaxel and a flat dose capecitabine (days 5–18 of the 28-day cycle) in patients with incurable locally recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancers. The responses at 4 months were analyzed among 36 patients. Although the response rate was modest (11%), the 6.5 months estimated median survival was comparable to the standard platinum and 5-FU combination regimens. Major grade 3 and 4 toxicities included lymphopenia, infection, and fatigue. In view of low efficacy, this particular regimen does not appear to warrant further study.

Keywords: :

• Head and neck cancers
• Chemotherapy
• Clinical trials