Combination radiation and chemotherapy has an intuitive appeal for improving cancer treatment. Experimental results suggest that paclitaxel plus radiation might produce additive or synergistic effects.
Methods
A series of phase I and II trials to test tolerance and begin to evaluate effectiveness were performed on patients with non-small cell lung cancer, high-grade astrocytic brain tumors, and pancreatic and gastric cancers.
Results
Tolerance of the combined drug and radiation programs was generally good. Esophagitis was dose-limiting for the intrathoracic tumors. Hematologic toxicity was mild, but peripheral neuritis and cutaneous reactions were common.
Conclusions
These trials show that paclitaxel plus concurrent radiation is feasible at the dose levels and schedules tested. Antitumor responses have been observed.
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