Efficacy of concomitant chemoradiotherapy in poor prognosis head and neck cancer

Abstract

Since 1986 we have conducted trials investigating chemoradiotherapy in poor prognosis head and neck cancer. The first study employed 5-Fluorouracil, hydroxyurea and concomitant radiation therapy given on an alternate week schedule in patients with locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer. These two drugs were chosen for their potential synergism with each other and to enhance the effectiveness of radiation [1]. A second phase I trial attempted to modulate the original regimen through the addition of Cisplatin. Cisplatin was chosen as the third agent based on high single agent activity in many solid tumors, radiation enhancing properties and synergistic action with 5-FU in vitro [1]. We now present an analysis of the long term results in 65 patients treated on these two trials.