Safety and Efficacy of Combination Therapy of Taxane Derivatives With Platinum-Based Drugs With or Without 5-FU in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Author(s)
Pandey Pratima, PhD1, Yashika Gupta, M.Pharm2, Khushbu Omprakash Baranwal, M. Pharm3, ANIT KUMAR SINHA, Ph.D.4, Jitendra Kumar SINGH, Ph.D.5.
1NIPER Mohali, Mohali, India, 2National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, India, 3National institute of pharmaceutical education & research, Mumbai, India, 4National institute of pharmaceutical education & research, Mohali, India, 5Oncology, Hospital, Patna, India.
1NIPER Mohali, Mohali, India, 2National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, India, 3National institute of pharmaceutical education & research, Mumbai, India, 4National institute of pharmaceutical education & research, Mohali, India, 5Oncology, Hospital, Patna, India.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, toxicity patterns, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) treated with taxane-based chemotherapy (paclitaxel or docetaxel) combined with platinum agents (cisplatin or carboplatin), with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We also explored the influence of lifestyle risk factors, particularly tobacco use, on disease patterns and outcomes.
METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on 200 histologically confirmed HNC patients. All participants received taxane-platinum chemotherapy regimens, and their treatment responses were evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Adverse effects were assessed per CTCAE v4.0, and quality of life was measured pre- and post-treatment using the WHO-BREF questionnaire. Demographic patterns, including age, gender, and cancer site, were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using R Software.
RESULTS: The majority of patients were males aged 55-65 years with a history of tobacco use. The tongue and buccal mucosa were the most frequently affected sites. Most cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage, necessitating neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A significant proportion of patients demonstrated partial or stable responses. Hematological toxicities (e.g., neutropenia, anemia) were common, while non-hematological toxicities such as mucositis and neuropathy were underreported, indicating the need for focused research. Quality of life improved in psychological and social domains post-treatment, despite persistent physical symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the crucial role of early detection, targeted screening, and adherence to chemotherapy protocols in managing head and neck cancer (HNC). The strong association with tobacco use calls for aggressive cessation efforts. Understanding both hematological and non-hematological toxicities is vital for optimising supportive care. Future research should address the gaps in toxicity profiling and long-term survivorship outcomes to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient well-being.
METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on 200 histologically confirmed HNC patients. All participants received taxane-platinum chemotherapy regimens, and their treatment responses were evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Adverse effects were assessed per CTCAE v4.0, and quality of life was measured pre- and post-treatment using the WHO-BREF questionnaire. Demographic patterns, including age, gender, and cancer site, were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using R Software.
RESULTS: The majority of patients were males aged 55-65 years with a history of tobacco use. The tongue and buccal mucosa were the most frequently affected sites. Most cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage, necessitating neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A significant proportion of patients demonstrated partial or stable responses. Hematological toxicities (e.g., neutropenia, anemia) were common, while non-hematological toxicities such as mucositis and neuropathy were underreported, indicating the need for focused research. Quality of life improved in psychological and social domains post-treatment, despite persistent physical symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the crucial role of early detection, targeted screening, and adherence to chemotherapy protocols in managing head and neck cancer (HNC). The strong association with tobacco use calls for aggressive cessation efforts. Understanding both hematological and non-hematological toxicities is vital for optimising supportive care. Future research should address the gaps in toxicity profiling and long-term survivorship outcomes to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient well-being.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
RWD169
Topic
Real World Data & Information Systems
Disease
Oncology