Weekly docetaxel treatment for head and neck cancer

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly docetaxel(DOC) treatment for head and neck cancer as compared with those of 3-weekly DOC treatment at 60 mg/m(2). Weekly DOC was administered at doses ranging from 25-30 mg/m(2)/wk (mean dosage, 40 mg/body/wk) for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week rest or for 6 weeks followed by a 2-week rest. Weekly DOC was administered to 18 patients (1 of whom received prior chemotherapy), and 3-weekly DOC was administered to 29 patients (10 of whom received prior chemotherapy). The overall response rate was 22.2% in the weekly DOC group and 47.8% in the 3-weekly DOC group. In advanced or recurrent cancer, the overall response rate plus long NC (stable disease for at least 6 months) rate was 40.0% in the weekly DOC group, and 42.9% in the 3-weekly DOC group. Only 1 (5.6%) case of grade 3 mucositis developed in the group receiving weekly DOC, while 12 cases of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (41.4%) and 2 of grade 3 or 4 thrombopenia (6.9%) developed in the 3-weekly DOC group. Based on these results, weekly DOC treatment appears to be useful and feasible for outpatients with head and neck cancer, even in high-risk and elderly patients.