Neoadjuvant cisplatin (CDDP) chemotherapy (CT) with docetaxel (D) and cetuximab (Cmab) followed by concurrent radiochemotherapy (RTCT) in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LA-HNC).

e16025 Background: Induction CT with D and CDDP followed by concurrent platinum RTCT has emerged as a therapeutic option for LA-HNC. Cmab also challenged the role of CDPP in RTCT. A schedule based on these advances may be valuable in the treatment of LA-HNC. Methods: Patients (pts) with LA-HNC are included in a pilot phase I-II study, having as primary endpoint tolerance and as secondary local progression-free (LPFS), distant metastasis-free (DMFS) and overall survival (OS). Thirteen pts (median age 68 years, median PS 0) with LA-HNC participated. A short course of neoadjuvant CT (two bi-weekly cycles) with D (40mg/m2), CDDP (60mg/m2) and Cmab (400mg/m2) was applied before RTCT with weekly CDDP (40mg/m2) and Cmab (250 mg/m2). Conformal RT was given in 19-21 daily fractions of 2.7Gy supported with high- dose daily amifostine (500-1000mg, using a previously described algorithm). After completion, the same induction regimen was given for 2-4 cycles, depending upon tumor response. The study has completed accr...