Taxanes, with their unique mechanism of microtubule stabilization, have demonstrated response rates similar to standard, first line combination regimens. Several phase II studies have evaluated the efficacy of single agent docetaxel in head and neck cancer patients. Cumulative response rates were approximately 30%, with higher response rates observed in patients receiving no prior chemotherapy. Docetaxel has also been used in combination with cisplatin and cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Although response rates with such combination regimens were superior to the use of single agent docetaxel, grade 3 and 4 toxicities were also more prevalent.