Treatment results of chemoradiotherapy with 5-FU/CDGP for head and neck cancer

We investigated the safety and efficacy of alternative and concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 5-FU/CDGP for head and neck cancer. From January 2003 to August 2005, 19 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated in our institution. Alternative chemoradiotherapy (ACRT) was performed for 8 cases of nasopharyngeal cancer. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) was performed for 11 cases of other head and neck cancer. Median total dose of radiotherapy was 63Gy. ACRT consisted of 5-FU at a dose of 500mg/m² on days 1-5 and 28-32 and CDGP at a dose of 60mg/m2 on days 6 and 33. CCRT consisted of 5-FU at a dose of 500mg/m² on days 1-4 and 28-31 and CDGP at a dose of 60mg/m² on days 5 and 32. Median follow-up periods was 13 months. CR+PR was admitted in five cases (63%) with ACRT, and in 9 cases (82%) with CCRT. Non-hematological adverse effects of grade 3 were admitted in eight cases (100%) of ACRT, and in 9 cases (82%) of CCRT. Chemoradiotherapy attained good results and non-hematological adverse effects were able to be managed by preserved treatment.