Abstract
Background Constitutive activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is associated with poor prognosis. Irinotecan demonstrates single-agent activity in head and neck cancer but activates NF-κB, promoting cell survival and resistance. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that inactivates NF-κB. Patients and Methods We performed a randomized phase II trial of bortezomib on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 and irinotecan on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle or single-agent bortezomib on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 on a 21-day cycle. The addition of irinotecan to bortezomib was allowed in patients who progressed on bortezomib alone. Results The response rate of bortezomib and irinotecan was 13%. One patient had a partial response to bortezomib alone (response rate 3%). No responses were seen in patients with addition of irinotecan at time of progression on bortezomib. Conclusions The bortezomib-based regimens evaluated in this study have minimal activity in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. Head Neck, 2013
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 942-948 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- bortezomib
- chemotherapy
- head and neck cancer
- irinotecan
- phase II
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology