Selective cytoprotection with amifostine in concurrent radiochemotherapy for head and neck cancer

Amifostine has reduced toxicities associated with radiation therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. In a phase II randomized trial, we investigated the ability of amifostine to reduce the toxicity of carboplatin plus radiotherapy (RCT) in patients with head and neck cancer.

Thirty-nine patients with stage III or IV squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck received RCT (following surgery or as primary treatment). Radiotherapy was given five days per week with daily fractions of 2 Gy, up to a total dose of 60 Gy in conjunction with carboplatin 70 mg/m2 on days 1 through 5 and days 21 through 26. Eligible patients were randomised to receive RCT alone or preceded by a rapid infusion of amifostine (500 mg) on the days when carboplatin was administered.

Patients receiving amifostine + RCT (n = 25) had significantly reduced mucositis (P = 0.0001) and xerostomia (P = 0.0001) in comparison with patients receiving RCT alone (n = 14). Additionally, patients receiving amifostine + RCT had significantly less thrombocytopenia (P = 0.001) and leukopenia (P = 0.001). At 12 months following therapy, 79% of patients receiving amifostine + RCT had no evidence of disease compared with 64% of those receiving RCT alone.

Amifostine reduces the RCT-induced toxicities in patients with head and neck cancer and has no negative impact on antitumour efficacy.