Abstract
Background: The treatment outcomes for N3 HNSCC treated with induction chemotherapy (ICT) followed by definitive radiation were reported to clarify the role of ICT and potential prognostic factors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 120 patients with N3 (≥6 cm) HNSCC, who were treated with ICT as initial treatment. Survival outcomes and potential prognostic factors were reported. Results: The response rate to ICT was 68.3%. There was a statistically significant difference between responders and non-responders in terms of 5-year OS (35.1% vs 13.3%, P <.001) and PFS (29.4% vs 7.4%, P <.001). Good response to ICT (P <.001) and upfront neck dissection (UFND) before radiotherapy (P =.016) were factors predicting for better OS. However, UFND before radiotherapy was not associated with improved outcomes among responders. Conclusions: This study suggests that ICT could be one treatment option for N3 HNSCC. Among responders to ICT, UFND before radiotherapy could be avoided.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 426-433 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- N3
- head and neck cancers
- induction chemotherapy
- upfront neck dissection