docetaxel + cisplatin + fluorouracil + radiotherapy

Docetaxel + cisplatin + fluorouracil (commonly referred to as the TPF regimen) combined with radiotherapy is a multi-agent chemoradiation protocol used primarily for the treatment of locally advanced or unresectable squamous cell carcinomas, especially of the head and neck, esophagus, and other sites. - **Docetaxel** is a microtubule-stabilizing agent that inhibits cell division by promoting and stabilizing microtubule assembly, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptosis. - **Cisplatin** is a platinum-based compound that forms DNA crosslinks, inhibiting DNA synthesis and function, resulting in apoptosis. - **Fluorouracil (5-FU)** is an antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells. When combined with **radiotherapy**, which damages cellular DNA through ionizing radiation, this regimen enhances cytotoxic effects on tumor cells via multiple mechanisms of action. The combination has demonstrated improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to regimens without docetaxel in head and neck cancer[1][2][3]. It is also used as neoadjuvant or definitive therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma[4][5].

Brand names

Taxotere (for docetaxel)Docefrez (for docetaxel)ACT DOCEtaxel (for docetaxel, Canada)Taro-DOCEtaxel (for docetaxel, Canada)

Other names

TPF + radiotherapy