Docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-FU compared with docetaxel, cisplatin and cetuximab as induction chemotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Results of a randomised phase II AGMT trial

Eur J Cancer. 2021 Jul:151:201-210. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.03.051. Epub 2021 May 19.

Abstract

Purpose: Induction chemotherapy (ICT) with cisplatin (P), 5-FU (F) and taxanes (T) is a therapeutical option in patients suffering from locally advanced or unresectable stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The role of ICT is controversial, and toxicity and/or delay of radiotherapy (RT) may reduce the potential benefit of this treatment regimen. Here, we report the results of a randomised phase II trial comparing TPF with TP + cetuximab (C).

Patients and methods: In this trial, 100 patients with locally advanced stage III or IV SCCHN were included in the analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to either TPF-ICT (N = 49) or TPC-ICT (N = 51), both followed by RT + C. The primary end-point of the study was overall response rate (ORR) three months after RT + C was finished.

Results: On an intention-to-treat basis, the ORR (complete remission + partial remission) was 74.5% in the TPC arm compared with 63.3% in the TPF arm (p = 0.109). OS was similar in both arms 400 days after treatment was initiated (86.1% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 73.0-93.1%] in the TPC arm and 78.5% [95% CI, 63.7-87.8%] in the TPF arm). TPC resulted in slightly less serious adverse events and in less haematological, but more skin toxicities. Two patients randomised in the TPC arm died during ICT and RT. Four patients in the TPF arm died after completion of RT. No delay from the end of ICT to RT + C was observed. A total of 83.1% of patients (80% in the TPC arm; 86% in the TPF arm) received RT without dose reduction and/or modification.

Conclusion: TPC-containing ICT for patients with locally advanced SCCHN was found to be an effective and tolerable one-day regimen. Further prospective evidence from larger trials is warranted.

Keywords: 5-FU; Cancer; Cisplatin; Docetaxel; Induction chemotherapy; LA-SCCHN; Randomised phase II trial; Substitution of 5-FU by cetuximab.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Austria
  • Cetuximab / adverse effects
  • Cetuximab / therapeutic use*
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use*
  • Docetaxel / adverse effects
  • Docetaxel / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects
  • Fluorouracil / therapeutic use*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / mortality
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Induction Chemotherapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Remission Induction
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / drug therapy*
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / mortality
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Docetaxel
  • Cetuximab
  • Cisplatin
  • Fluorouracil

Associated data

  • EudraCT/2011-005540-99