docetaxel + cisplatin + erlotinib

This experimental combination regimen consists of the taxane chemotherapy agent **docetaxel**, a platinum-based agent (**cisplatin** or **carboplatin**), and the small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor **erlotinib**. Developed and investigated by **M.D. Anderson Cancer Center**, the regimen was evaluated as an induction therapy for patients with resectable stage III-IVB oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. The therapeutic rationale involves combining standard cytotoxic chemotherapy (which inhibits cell division and induces DNA damage) with targeted inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein frequently overexpressed in head and neck cancers. In a Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT00431210), patients received up to three cycles of the docetaxel-platinum backbone with concurrent erlotinib or placebo prior to surgery. Results published in 2022 indicated that while the combination was manageable in terms of safety, the addition of erlotinib did not significantly improve major pathologic response rates, progression-free survival, or overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

Other names

docetaxel + carboplatin + erlotinibTP + erlotinibinduction chemotherapy with erlotinibchemotherapy-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center-head and neck squamous cell carcinoma