Induction docetaxel and S-1 followed by concomitant radiotherapy with low-dose daily cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel-S-1, and radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent daily cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma. Method Fifty patients received 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy with induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S-1, followed by 7 cycles of RT with concurrent daily cisplatin. Results The most frequent grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity was neutropenia (14%). Forty of 50 patients who completed induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S-1 subsequently started RT with concurrent daily cisplatin, all within 3 to 4 weeks after the start of the second cycle of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S-1. The best response to induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S-1 and after completion of RT with concurrent daily cisplatin was partial response (PR) in 52.5% and complete response in 47.5%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 61 months, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 63.3% and 65.7%, respectively. Conclusion Administration of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and S-1 before RT with concurrent daily cisplatin chemoradiotherapy (CRT) resulted in a high response rate with good tolerability, and did not compromise subsequent CRT.