Hello All -

This site and the boards are such a wonderful resource. I have learned so much here. Thanks to all who share their stories.

My father was diagnosed with SCC, primary tumor on right tonsil. The tonsils were removed, and he had a neck dissection as well. (Two lymph nodes had cancer.). The margins in his mouth were clean, and there is some evidence of extracapsular spread in the area where the lymph nodes were removed.

He is finalizing his treatment plans, and is eligible for a trial that involves two groups with the following treatments:

A) Cisplatin and cetuximab + radiation
or
B) Docetaxel and cetuximab + radiation

He agreed to participate and was randomly assigned to group B. He began to question his decision after he was assigned to this group, as the literature that explains the side effects of the docetaxel lists many more "very likely" side effects than for the cisplatin. His doctor originally told him he'd treat him using cisplatin (before they knew he was eligible for the trial.). Now my father is wondering if it would be better to skip the trial and go with the radiation + cisplatin.

I am wondering if it is possible to compare the two drugs. It would be great to hear your thoughts about cisplatin vs. docetaxel, is the experience much different with one or the other?

Thank you very much.

B

Bee,

It sounds as if your dad may be considering a clinical trial similar to mine. Mine was a "Phase II randomized trial of surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy plus cetuximab..." I was in the docetaxel group. Several of my posts address my experience, although the side effects that I could attribute to just one of the treatments were primarily related to the cetuximab -- acne-like rash on face and neck, and cracks/fissures on the palms of my hands, fingers, heels and bottom of my feet. I had a mild headache during the first few days after my loading dose of cetuximab.

I did experience change in taste, fatigue, low grade fevers at different times during my treatment, and mouth sores that were pretty severe. These side effects can also occur with radiation, with docetaxel, and, except for change in taste, with cetuximab. I know that others on the forum will respond with their own experiences. From what I have learned on the forum and through my own research, it seems to me that most of the common side effects with the variety of treatments are manageable. It may be very difficult to compare side effects of the two drugs when the radiation and cetuximab effects also are present. And I have learned that each of us responds in an individual way to the different treatments.

You are so right about what a wonderful resource this site is. I know that it will help you and your dad as it has so many of us.

Bee: I'm wondering if your father proceeded w/the C225/Docetaxel/rad study. I'm fairly certain this is the same study my boyfriend has consented to participate in (he's also on the docetaxel arm). He got C225 loading dose last Wednesday & tomorrow begins C225+decetaxel wkly combined w/IMRT 5x per week.

Let us hear from you.
Thanks,
Rebecca