[Combination chemotherapy with nedaplatin and 5-FU for head and neck cancer]

Nedaplatin (CDGP), which is a CDDP analog, is an effective anticancer agent for head and neck cancer. The first-line chemotherapy for head and neck cancer is reported to be the combination of CDDP and 5-FU. We undertook a clinical trial for combination CDGP and 5-FU to determine whether this chemotherapy has the potential effect of combination with CDDP and 5-FU. First of all, we tried to determine the maximum dose and recommended dose of CDGP in the combination with CDGP and 5-FU by the dose finding regulation method used in combination phase I study. We determined the maximum dose of CDGP as 120 mg/m2, and the recommended dose as 100 mg/m2 with CDGP and 5-FU, 700 mg/m2/day for 5 days. Thirteen cases were treated with CDGP and 5-FU by the recommended dose. Three cases showed CR, and seven cases showed PR. The response rate was 76.9%. Two cases showed hematological toxicity, one grade 3 platelet decreasing and the other grade 3 leucopenia. Two cases showed renal toxicity less than grade 2. Nausea and vomiting were mild. The combination with CDGP and 5-FU seemed to have a strong effect and low toxicity. Further study will be needed to determine the efficacy against head and neck cancer.