Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combination chemotherapy using gemcitabine plus cisplatin for recurrent and/or metastastic head and neck cancer patients.
Methods: Fifty-two patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer were treated by gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) on D1, 8 and cisplatin 25 mg/m(2) on D1 approximately 3 every 21 days as one cycle.
Results: Of 52 assessable patients, 3 (5.8%) showed complete response and 19 (36.5%) partial response with an overall response rate of 42.3% (22/52). Median time to progression was 5.0 months, and 1-year survival was 43.4% with a median survival time of 9.9 months. Of 32 previously treated patients by cisplatin-containing regimen, 2 patients (6.3%) gave complete response and 11 (34.4%) partial response with an overall response rate of 40.6% (13/32). Median time to progression was 3.4 months, and 1-year survival was 29.2% with a median survival time of 8.3 months. Toxicity mainly included grade 1/2 myleosuppression, rash and nausea/vomiting.
Conclusion: Gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy is safe and effective for patients with recurrent and/or metastastic head and neck cancer.