Radiotherapy and concurrent low-dose paclitaxel in locally advanced head and neck cancer

Abstract

In our prospective study we examined the use of low-dose paclitaxel concurrently with radiation for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, who were not eligible for concurrent chemoradiation due to their poor general condition. Twenty-six patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy and received concomitantly 2 mg/m(2) paclitaxel three times a week. Beside an acceptable efficacy (RR: 65%, 2-year overall survival 46%) the treatment was well tolerated and resulted in a favorable toxicity profile. This regimen is resource effective and allowed successive therapy if it was necessary and therefore may serve as an alternative for patients in poor condition with locally advanced head and neck cancer.