Latest Cancer TreatmentsDr. Mohammadreza Dabiri
Dr. Mohammadreza Dabiriفارسی
Treatment regimen

TPF (induction) regimen in head and neck cancer

Docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil before chemoradiotherapy

Updated: 28 October 20261 min read3 references

Summary for doctors

  • Selected locally advanced head and neck cancer (for example larynx preservation or bulky disease) [1].
  • 4 cycles, then radiotherapy [1].
  • High toxicity; only in fit patients.

Dose and schedule

TPF

Locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer, inductionCycle length: Every 21 days

Locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer, induction

DrugDoseRouteSchedule
Docetaxel75 mg/m²IVDay 1
Cisplatin75 mg/m²IVDay 1
Fluorouracil750 mg/m² a dayContinuous infusionDays 1 to 5
Cycle length
Every 21 days
Duration
4 cycles, then radiotherapy

As in TAX 323 [1].

Dose source: [3].

Doses follow the trial protocol, guideline or official drug label (source given in the notes of each regimen). Before prescribing, check blood counts, renal and hepatic function, drug interactions and the patient’s condition, and adjust the dose according to the drug label.

Premedication and supportive care

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis (for example ciprofloxacin on days 5 to 15) was used in the study [1]; consider G-CSF prophylaxis.
  • Docetaxel premedication; highly emetogenic antiemetics.
  • DPYD: before the first fluoropyrimidine dose, consider testing for DPD deficiency (DPYD genotype); in carriers of one reduced-function allele the starting dose is reduced by about 50%, and these drugs are contraindicated in complete deficiency [2].

Monitoring and dose adjustment

  • Blood counts, creatinine and electrolytes; mucositis and diarrhoea.

Main evidence

Show detailsHide

TAX 323: adding docetaxel to PF increased median survival from 14.5 to 18.8 months [1].

Related cancer types

Head and neck cancers

Treatment regimens (physicians)

Cisplatin with radiotherapy in head and neck cancerFirst-line regimens for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: pembrolizumab and EXTREME

References

3 references
Show all references, 1 with a study cardClose the reference list

Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.

  1. 1
    Cisplatin, fluorouracil, and docetaxel in unresectable head and neck cancerVermorken JB, Remenar E, van Herpen C, et al · N Engl J Med · 2007;357:1695-704
    DOIPubMed Back to text: 1 2 3 4 5
  2. 2
    Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guideline for Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Genotype and Fluoropyrimidine Dosing: 2017 UpdateAmstutz U, Henricks LM, Offer SM, et al · Clin Pharmacol Ther · 2018;103:210-216
    Study cardDOIPubMed Back to text
  3. 3
    DOCETAXEL — Prescribing InformationSandoz Inc · FDA label · 2026
    Source Back to text

This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.

Printed from the website; the full and up-to-date version: https://drdabiri.com/en/regimens/tpf-induction/

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