The effect of Taxotere, Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil (TPF) induction chemotherapy on intratumoral hypoxia in advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer

This study is looking at whether chemotherapy given before radiation treatment for head and neck cancer reduces the low-oxygen areas (called hypoxia) inside tumours. Tumours with low oxygen levels are harder to treat with radiation. The chemotherapy regimen being tested (called TPF — Taxotere, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil) is the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. Researchers will use a special PET scan (FAZA PET) to measure oxygen levels in the tumour before and after chemotherapy to see if the treatment makes the tumour easier to treat with radiation. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years of age or older - You have squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx that has not been previously treated - Your cancer is at Stage 3 or 4 - Your cancer has been confirmed by a tissue biopsy - Your general health and organ function are adequate (ECOG performance status 0–1) You may NOT be eligible if: - You are a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding - You have had previous radiation treatment to the area - You have had a previous cancer diagnosis - There is evidence that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body - You have significant pre-existing nerve damage or hearing loss - You have unstable heart disease or an uncontrolled infection Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.