The growth inhibiting effect of docetaxel (Taxotere) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts.

Docetaxel (Taxotere) is a new antitumor agent with activity in patients with ovarian, lung and breast cancer. In this study, docetaxel was tested for its antitumor effect in human tumor xenografts derived from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A significant growth inhibiting effect was observed in the two tested lines, at the well tolerated dose of 20 m/kg docetaxel. Two intravenous injections were given with a week interval. Both lines were less sensitive to treatment with cisplatin, indicating that no cross-reactivity exists between these drugs. Docetaxel has a promising outlook in the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).