Work

Response to induction chemotherapy as a prognostic indicator in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Induction chemotherapy (IC) for patients with locally advanced stage Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC) before radio-chemotherapy (RCT) or surgery remains a potential treatment option. This study analyzed how the response to IC correlates with survival outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center study at a tertiary cancer center. Tumors were categorized by anatomical site and response to IC (non-responders vs. responders). Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients received IC. Of these, 33 patients were radiologically evaluable for response. The majority of evaluable patients received either TPF (Docetaxel, Cisplatin, 5-Fluorouracil) (58%) or TP (Docetaxel, Cisplatin) (24%) as their IC regimen. Tumor reduction of 30% or more was observed in 23 patients (69.7%), the tumor control rate was 97%. The 2-year event-free survival (EFS) in the IC evaluable population was 53.1%, overall survival (OS) was 63.6%, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 62.5%. Patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal tumors that did not respond to IC had a significantly poorer prognosis. This effect was not statistically significant in tumors of the oral cavity or oropharynx, where it was only observed as a trend. CONCLUSION: IC is highly effective in treating locally advanced stage HNSCC. The response to IC is prognostic for survival, particularly in cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx.

Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology

DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-06044-2

Authors: Francesca Huwyler, Roland Giger, Ruben Bill, Daniel Rauch, Simon Haefliger

Institutions: University of Bern, University Hospital of Bern

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190