IRESSA in Combination With Cisplatin & Radiotherapy in Patients With Advanced Head & Neck Carcinoma

Inclusion criteria

• Histologically confirmed squamous head and neck carcinoma
• Extra-laryngeal tumour or laryngeal tumour that is inoperable (not resectable) considered by Head and Neck Cancer Committee
• Stage III-IV (IVa and IVb) disease
• Measurable disease according to RECIST criteria
• Aged 18 years or older
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0-1
• Normal renal, haematological (neutrophils >1´5 x 109/ L and platelets > 100 x 109/L) and liver function

Exclusion criteria

• 1. Previous treatment for initial disease (neck dissection in N3 is allowed) 2. Other co-existing malignancies or malignancies diagnosed within the last 5 years with the exception of basal cell carcinoma or cervical cancer in situ 3. Incomplete healing from previous oncologic or other surgery 4. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1.5 x 109/ L, or platelets less than 100x 109/L 5. Serum bilirubin greater than 1.25 times the upper limit of reference range (ULRR) 6. In the opinion of the investigator, any evidence of severe or uncontrolled systemic disease (e.g. unstable or uncompensated respiratory, cardiac, hepatic or renal disease) 7. Serum creatinine greater than 1.25 times the ULRR 8. ALT or AST greater than 2.5 times the ULRR 9. Evidence of any other significant clinical disorder or laboratory finding that makes it undesirable for the patient to participate in the trial 10. Active dermatoses (e.g. psoriasis, eczema) 11. Corneal abnormalities (other than scars, congenital abnormality or corneal tear film), history of dry eye syndrome or ocular surface diseases and neurological disorders 12. Concomitant use of phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, rifampicin or drugs with known corneal toxicity 13. Pregnancy or breastfeeding (women of child-bearing potential) 14. Patient incapacity to reliably follow the treatment or follow up for family, economic or geographical reasons.