SELECTIVE CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 INHIBITOR; SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA; I CLINICAL-TRIAL; PHASE-I; TUMOR ANGIOGENESIS; COX-2 INHIBITORS; ESOPHAGEAL-CANCER; LUNG-CANCER; EXPRESSION; RADIATION

Celebrex and radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer. This phase I dose-escalation study seeks to determine the phase II recommended dose of cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitor in patients with locally advanced squamous cell head and neck (H&N) cancer, treated with accelerated radiotherapy. Anti-vasculogenic effect of this treatment on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is examined. Patients were irradiated with curative intent (72 Gy in 6 weeks). Celecoxib was administered throughout the radiotherapy course. Serum VEGF level were tested during radiotherapy and in follow-up. Tumor specimens were stained to quantify the COX-2 expression. Thirty-two patients completed the treatment. The dose of celecoxib was escalated (200, 400 and 800 mg bid, then de-escalated to 600 mg bid).