Intratumoral cisplatin/epinephrine gel in advanced head and neck cancer: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase III study in North America.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intratumoral cisplatin/epinephrine injectable gel (CDDP/epi gel) for local control and palliation of tumor-related symptoms in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients were randomly assigned to either CDDP/epi or placebo gel in this phase III, double-blind study. Tumors were < or =20 cm(3); most recurrences (88%) were in a previously irradiated field. The most symptomatic or threatening tumor was designated as the target tumor. DOSE: 0.25 mL CDDP/epi gel/cm(3) tumor volume.

TREATMENTS: < or =6 weekly intratumoral injections in an 8-week period.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES: target tumor response and symptom relief.

RESULTS: During the blinded phase, 34% (21 of 62) of patients achieved an objective response (CR or PR) in the target tumor treated with CDDP/epi gel vs 0% (0 of 24) treated with placebo gel (p <.001). Responses occurred within a median of four treatments (range, 2-6) and were durable (median, 95 days; range, 34-168+ days). More patients treated with CDDP/epi gel achieved palliative benefit than did those treated with placebo gel (37% vs 12%, p =.036). Most frequent side effects were local pain and local cutaneous reactions, which resolved over 3-12 weeks. Renal and hematologic toxicities were rare.

CONCLUSIONS: This phase III trial showed that CDDP/epi gel significantly reduces tumor burden, palliates tumor-related symptoms, and is an effective local treatment for recurrent tumors.