Radiotherapy with concurrent docetaxel and carboplatin for head and neck cancer

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the concomitant use of docetaxel and carboplatin for radiosensitization in head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: One dose of docetaxel at 10 mg/m² and five doses of carboplatin at AUC of 0.4 per week were administered to patients during the first two weeks of radiotherapy. Sixteen patients were treated with this regimen. Radiotherapy was given to a total dose of 64.8 to 82.0 Gy. Altered fractionation radiotherapy was performed in 12 patients with untreated advanced tumors. Results: The complete response (CR) rate was 81%, with a partial response (PR) rate of 19%. Toxicities included grade 3 mucositis in 69% of patients and grade 2 dermatitis in 56% of patients. Conclusion: This schedule of docetaxel and carboplatin combined with radiotherapy may become a useful approach for the management of head and neck cancer with proper management of mucositis.