Paclitaxel for Second-Line Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Multicenter Retrospective Italian Study

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) accounts for 3% of all malignant tumors in Italy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy is first-line treatment for SCCHN; however, second-line treatment options are limited. Taxanes are widely used for combination therapy of SCCHN, as clinical trials have shown their efficacy in patients with this disease, particularly in patients with prior therapy. AIM To perform a multicenter retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of weekly paclitaxel for SCCHN. METHODS All patients were previously treated with at least one systemic therapy regimen, which included platinum-based therapy in the vast majority. No patient received prior immunotherapy. RESULTS Median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 3.4 months and median overall survival (mOS) was 6.5 months. Subgroup analysis was performed according to three principal prognostic factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index. Analysis demonstrated reduced survival, both mOS and mPFS, in the unfavorable prognostic groups, with the biggest deltas observed in mOS. CONCLUSION Weekly paclitaxel provided favorable survival and disease control rates, with low severe adverse events. Paclitaxel is a safe and valid therapeutic option for patients with SCCHN who received prior therapy.