Phase I started by giving the same Taxol dose and same radiation therapy to three patients. When Taxol was well tolerated without significant toxicity, then the next group of three patients were given a higher Taxol dose. That's something radiation alone does not always do. The continuous infusion is given through an I.V. port placed on the chest wall or upper arm to give the patient as much arm and hand movement as possible. The infusion pump is carried in a little case on a strap over the shoulder or from a belt.
Nurses refill the reservoir as needed.
This treatment was primarily designed for patients who had advanced cancers that weren't operable because they involved critical structures such as the skull base or the carotid artery that provides blood to the brain. According to Dr. Rosenthal, one patient's cancer could not be removed surgically because it involved the carotid artery and the patient had a paralyzed vocal cord, a very hoarse voice and significant difficulty swallowing. This patient was treated three years ago on this protocol and now has no evidence of any cancer. The vocal cord became mobile and now the patient has a normal voice and is swallowing essentially normally. He is very happy with the quality of his life.