This thread has gotten fairly far off the initial post (the other posts are all good info, so this is not a complaint) but I wanted to get back to the first issue.

If you have existing hearing loss or have a reason to fear hearing loss from the use of cisplatin, you can get the newer drug carboplatin either as a monotherapy or in conjunction with a taxane (e.g. Taxol). Although some literature seems to show a slightly better result in certain types of cancer with cisplatin, it is far more toxic (e.g. kidney toxicity, ototoxicity and is strongly emetic) . Our medical oncologist (at Hopkins) whose specialty is head and neck cancer is finding as good results with carboplatin, which she rotuinely gives to those with hearing or kidney issues -- or who cannot tolerate cisplatin for other reasons (severe nausea is common).

She told us that the radiation is the "workhorse" in the treatment and chemo adds about 10-15% effectively, primarily as a radiosensitizer. The difference in efficacy between the two platinoids is at worst represents a very small percentage of the treatment.

Ask about carboplatin -- my husband had it and found, with the new serotonin anti-nausea drugs, chemotherapy to be (in his words) a "non-event. " The radiation and te amifostine he took were far more rigorous. His ENT feels his getting carbo is one reason he made it through treatment in relatively good shape, able to eat throughout etc.

Gail Mac