Phase II evaluation of 96-hour paclitaxel infusion in advanced (recurrent or metastatic) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (E3395): A trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

Corey J. Langer, Yi Li, Timothy Jennings, Ronald C. DeConti, Suresh Nair, Roger B. Cohen, Arlene A. Forastiere

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Paclitaxel (24-hour infusion) has yielded activity in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Protracted exposure to paclitaxel may overcome resistance observed by using shorter infusions. Therefore we sought to evaluate paclitaxel by 96-hour infusion in both treatment-naïve and previously treated patients with SCCHN. Materials and Methods: Eligibility stipulated bi-dimensionally measurable, biopsy-documented, incurable SCCHN, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0-1, and adequate physiological indices. Patients were divided into three cohorts: 1) chemotherapy-naïve; 2) chemotherapy-exposed, paclitaxel-naïve; and 3) chemotherapy and paclitaxel exposed. Paclitaxel was dosed at 140 mg/m 2 (96-hour infusion) every 3 weeks in treatment-naïve patients and at 120 mg/m2 (96 hours) every 3 weeks in previously treated patients. Results: Fifty patients were accrued between February 1997 and July 2000. The study was terminated because of low response rate. Eighty percent of patients were male, 75% PS 1. Nearly half the patients had oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal primary sites. There was one treatment-related death due to neutropenic fever/pneumonia. Grade 4 toxicities included granulocytopenia in eight patients (20%), thrombocytopenia, and stomatitis in one patient each. Grade 3 or greater anemia occurred in 10 patients. There was no grade 2 or 3 peripheral sensory neuropathy. In 15 chemotherapy-naïve patients, two responses (13%) were observed. There were no responses in treatment-exposed patients. The overall median survival was 5.5 months, and 1-year survival rate 10%. Treatment-naïve patients had a median survival of 8.2 months and 1-year survival rate of 20%. Conclusions: Paclitaxel by 96-hour infusion at a dose of 120-140 mg/m2/96 hours is only marginally active in the treatment of SCCHN. This dose and schedule cannot be recommended for further evaluation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)823-831
Number of pages9
JournalCancer Investigation
Volume22
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004

Keywords

  • 96-Hr paclitaxel
  • Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN)
  • Relapsed SCCHN
  • SCCHN

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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