docetaxel + cisplatin + carboplatin

This combination chemotherapy regimen was evaluated by the University of Vermont for the treatment of Stage IV non-metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The protocol utilizes a sequential approach consisting of neoadjuvant (induction) chemotherapy followed by definitive chemoradiation. The induction phase involves the administration of docetaxel and cisplatin to reduce tumor burden and target micrometastases. This is followed by radiotherapy administered concurrently with weekly carboplatin, which serves as a radiosensitizer to enhance the efficacy of the radiation. Docetaxel is a taxane that stabilizes microtubules, while cisplatin and carboplatin are platinum-based antineoplastic agents that form covalent DNA cross-links, collectively inhibiting cell division and inducing apoptosis in malignant cells.

Other names

docetaxel and cisplatin followed by carboplatin and radiationdocetaxel-University of Vermont-head and neck squamous cell carcinoma