Study to Evaluate the Response Rate to Therapy With Docetaxel and Cisplatin in Unresectable Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

The treatment duration for each patient will be around six months. Patients included in the study will be treated with induction regimen followed by chemo radiotherapy. Within the induction period there are three cycles (Docetaxel + Cisplatin) every 21 days, with follow-up post-induction at day 21 after cycle three. This is followed by chemoradiotherapy consisting of radiotherapy for six weeks and cisplatin every week for four weeks. The post-consolidation follow up is at eight weeks after end of chemoradiotherapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Histologically confirmed, unresectable locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck of oral cavity in stage III-IV without evidence of distant metastases.
• No prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Having at least one measurable lesion in one dimension.
• Age ≥18 and <65 years with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ≤ 1.
• Adequate organ function:
• Adequate hematological function
• Adequate hepatic function
• Renal function within normal limits

Exclusion criteria

• Peripheral neuropathy > grade 1 or other serious diseases (unstable ischaemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction six months prior to inclusion, history of significant neurological or psychiatric disorder or active peptic ulcer).
• Being treated concomitantly with corticosteroids (except as pre-medication).
• Patients having another type of cancer.
• Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Any previous definitive surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.
• Severe weight loss (> 20 % of body weight) in the preceding 3 months.
• Hearing loss (> grade 2).
• Pregnancy (pregnancy test result for women of childbearing potential).
• Sexually active females with lack of adequate contraception.

The above information is not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a patient's potential participation in a clinical trial.