Editorial

2025-11-01T07:13:11+00:00

Response Rate and Toxicity of Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU in Comparison with Cisplatin / 5FU Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

2025-11-01T07:10:04+00:00

Background: Response to chemotherapy is a reliable marker for radiation sensitivity in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We compared the response rate and toxicity after two cycles of chemotherapy using Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU or Cisplatin / 5FU among these patients. Methods: We randomly assigned 16 to 75 years old patients with stage III or IV non-metastatic locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to receive either DCF or CF every 3 weeks for two cycles. All patients who received at least one and two cycles of chemotherapy were considered for toxicity and response evaluation respectively. Results: Seventy patients underwent randomization, 36 and 34 patients were assigned to Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU and Cisplatin / 5FU groups respectively. Three and 8 patients were excluded after randomization and before receiving any chemotherapy in Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU and Cisplatin / 5FU groups respectively. Finally 30 and 25 in Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU group and 25 and 23 patients in Cisplatin / 5FU group were evaluated for toxicity and response respectively. Response rate (complete and partial response) was %83 (35% complete and 48% partial response) and %84(16% complete and 68% partial response) in Cisplatin / 5FU and Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU groups respectively (P= 0.28). There was no differences in complete response rate between two groups (P=0.18). Neutropenia, phlebitis and mucositis were more common in Cisplatin / 5FU group without statistically significant difference. Constipation was significantly more common in Cisplatin / 5FU group (P= 0.008). Diarrhea, alopecia and febrile neutropenia were significantly more common in Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU group (P= 0.006, 0.01 and 0.03 respectivly). Conclusion: We could not find any significant differences between response to Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU and Cisplatin /5FU combination chemotherapy among Iranian patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, for better evaluation, larger studies with better designs are being conducted in our center.

Investigation of the effect of Calendula officinalis extract on preventing radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis

2025-11-02T09:00:25+00:00

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Calendula officinalis mouthwash on preventing radiotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis

Materials and Methods: Patients with head and neck cancers referred to our center for radiotherapy were divided into two groups, one receiving drug and the other group receiving placebo. Patients in the drug group received 2% Calendula gel. Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale was used to evaluate oral mucositis intensity at the end of each week. The scale of mucositis at the end of each week was compared between groups.

Results: Calendula gel significantly decreased the intensity of oral mucositis as compared to placebo at the end of the 2nd (p=0.019), 3rd (p<0.0001) and 6th week (p=0.031).

Conclusion: Calendula gel could be effectively used to decrease the intensity of radiotherapy- induced oral mucositis.

Reports of Radiotherapy and Oncology

Editorial

Response Rate and Toxicity of Docetaxel / Cisplatin /5FU in Comparison with Cisplatin / 5FU Induction Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Investigation of the effect of Calendula officinalis extract on preventing radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis