RESUMO
AIM: To examine the feasibility and determine the maximum tolerated dose of outpatient carboplatin given with synchronous hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with stages II-IV SCCHN and unresected primary tumour were treated with synchronous carboplatin given in an outpatient setting on day 1 and day 21 in cohorts of three to six patients with incremental area under curve (AUC) factors commencing at 3.5. Grade 3 mucositis persisting for 4 weeks in two patients in a cohort was considered dose limiting. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were enrolled and assessable for toxicity. All 19 patients completed 55 Gy of radiotherapy and were assessable for response. Grade 3 mucositis lasting 4 weeks or more was seen in three patients, two of them received AUC 5 carboplatin. A complete response was seen in 16 patients, with a further patient having a partial response, giving a response rate of 89%. With a median follow-up of 24 months (range 11-30 months), 13 patients were alive with no evidence of recurrent disease. Local recurrence had occurred in four patients with distant spread in three patients. CONCLUSION: Carboplatin with concurrent hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy is feasible for patients with advanced SCCHN and good performance status. The recommended phase II dose of carboplatin given in week 1 and week 4 with 55 Gy in 20 fractions is AUC 4.5.