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Abstracts / 2nd International Syniposyum oil Organ Sparing Treahneni	10
Combined application of cisplatin, paclitaxel and radiation in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
J. Klocker1, H. Sabitzer2, W. Raunik2, S. Wieser3
1 1 st. Medical Department, 2 Dept. ofRadiotherapy, 3 Dept. of Otolaryngology, Klagenfart General Hospital, Klagenjirt, Austria
Objective. Encouraged by the experiences of our prospective trial (presented in 1998) and according to the international tendency to combined treatment modalities we designed a farther pilot study. Due to the very promising results (phase II trials, second line chemotherapy) of the schedules containing taxans against squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck and the lung, we introduced Paclitaxel into our concept. Paclitaxel is also known as a very effective radiosensitizer.
Patients and methods. Between March 1998 and April 2000, about 30 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have been treated. The first cycle of the polychemotherapy consists of 175 mg/m2 Paclitaxel and 75 mg/m2 Cisplatin. The course is repeated every three weeks with reduced doses (135mg/m2 and 60 mg/m2 respectively) three up to five times. Radiotherapy starts immediately after the completion of the second cycle. Standard fractionation radiation therapy with a total dose of 72 Gy is applied.
Results. We have seen complete remissions in patients with very advanced carcinomas. This regimen seems to be highly effective against advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. On the other hand, we have to face an increase of adverse side effects as well.
Correspondence to: Johann Klocker, M.D., 1 st. Medical Department, Klagenfurt General Hospital, Brunnengasse
3, A-9020 Klagenfurt, Austria. Phone: +4314 04 00 4429; Fax: +4314 04 00 4451.
Radiol Oiicol 2000; 34(3): 223-49.