[Three cases of adenocarcinoma of the head and neck maintaining QOL by administration of docetaxel].

A primary head and neck adenocarcinoma is a comparatively rare disease, and surgical resection has been the first choice for its treatment. In the present study, we performed chemotherapy with weekly administration of docetaxel in 3 cases with unresectable or recurrent adenocarcinoma of the head and neck on an outpatient basis, resulting in long-term maintenance of the patients' QOL. Each case had submandibular gland carcinoma, parotid gland carcinoma, or parathyroid gland carcinoma. Their observation period was 42, 76, or 87 months, respectively. Docetaxel was administered for 18, 19, or 28 courses, respectively. No adverse events of grade 3 or higher were observed. The present results might suggest that it is possible to treat patients with adenocarcinoma in the head and neck without decreasing patients' QOL.