A new concurrent chemotherapy with vinorelbine and mitomycin C in combination with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the
feasibility and toxicity of concurrent chemotherapy with
vinorelbine and mitomycin C in combination with accelerated
radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced cancer of the
head and neck. Patients and Methods: Between January 2003 and March
2004, 15 patients with T4/N2-3 squamous cell carcinoma (12/15) and
with N3 cervical lymph node metastases of carcinoma of unknown
primary (3/15) were treated with chemotherapy and simultaneous
accelerated RT. Results: 11 patients completed therapy without
interruption or dose reduction. Grade 3 - 4 acute mucosal toxicity
was observed in 9/15 patients, grade 4 hematologic toxicity in 6/15
patients. At a median follow-up of 7.5 months, 2 patients have died
of intercurrent disease, 2 patients have experienced local relapse;
5 patients are alive with no evidence of disease at the primary
tumor site. Discussion: The described regimen is highly effective,
but led to remarkable side effects.