Comparison of the efficacy and toxicity of two dose levels of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil as the chemoradiotherapy regimen for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Conclusion: The low-dose regimen brought less grade 3–4 neutropenia and mucositis with similar treatment efficacy. It should be further investigated in prospective randomized clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and tolerability. Objectives: This nonrandomized study compared the efficacy and toxicity profiles of two dose levels of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as the chemoradiotherapy regimen for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Methods: Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of two dose levels: a low dose (cisplatin 12 mg/m² + 5-FU 600 mg/m² per day) or a high dose (cisplatin 15 mg/m² + 5-FU 750 mg/m² per day). Both were administered as a 5-day continuous infusion in week 1 and week 5 during radiotherapy. Results: With a median follow-up of 44 months, the overall survival and disease-free survival were 35 months and 22 months (n = 67) for the low-dose group and 36 months and 33 months for the high-dose group (n = 96). The 2-year locoregional control rate was 67.2% for the low-dose and 66.8% for the high-dose group. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the treatment efficacy end points. The high-dose regimen resulted in significantly more grade 3–4 neutropenia (31.5% vs 10.9%, p = 0.003) and a trend towards more mucositis (62.1% vs 49.3%, p = 0.066).

Keywords::

• Head and neck cancer
• neutropenia
• mucositis
• chemotherapy
• efficacy
• tolerability

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Doctor Ming-Jer, Huang for his great devotion and contribution to this article and the head-and-neck cancer team of Mackay Memorial Hospital. Doctor Ming-Jer, Huang passed away in 2007.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.