[A Phase I study of docetaxel and cisplatin for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck].

A Phase I study of docetaxel (DOC) and cisplatin (CDDP) combination therapy was conducted as second-line treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in order to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of DOC, and the recommended dose (RD) for this combination therapy. Twenty patients with recurrence for whom failed first-line chemotherapy with CDDP and 5-FU proved in-effective (17 male, 3 female; age range 38-74 years; performance status 0=7, 1 =8, 2=5) were included in this study. DOC at dose level I (40 mg/m2), level II (50 mg/m2), level III (60 mg/m2) and level IV (70 mg/m2) was used, followed by CDDP administration at a fixed dose of 80 mg/m2. Originally, chemotherapy was repeated every 3 weeks. In level I, grade 4 hypokalemia occurred in one patient. No DLT occurred at level II. At level III, one patient experienced grade 4 vomiting. At level IV, grade 2 creatinine clearance decrease occurred in a total of two patients. The maximum tolerated dose in this combination therapy was DOC 70 mg/m2, and CDDP 80 mg/m2. The recommended dose for this combination therapy is DOC 60 mg/m2, and CDDP 80 mg/ m2. A multicenter cooperative phase II study in this RD is recommended.