Interactions between outcomes and tumor response to preoperative cisplatin-sensitized radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer. Southern New Jersey Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Group.
BACKGROUND
Whether or not tumor response to chemotherapy-sensitized radiation therapy (CTRT) for head and neck cancer leads to an improved outcome is unknown.


METHODS
Forty patients who received preoperative cisplatin plus simultaneous radiotherapy for operable stage III and IV head and neck cancer were reviewed retrospectively regarding clinical demographics, staging, and survival status.


RESULTS
Twenty-one (57%) patients had a histologic complete response (HCR) and 16 (43%) had a partial (PR) (9) or clinical complete (7) response (CCR). Tumor response of N1 versus N2-3 nodal disease showed 6 (75%) HCR and 4 (25%). Five-year disease-free survival overall was 82% for HCR versus 38% for PR/CCR (P <0.05). Disease-specific 5-year survival was 100% for HCR versus 27% for PR/CCR (P <0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
Histologic complete response to CTRT for head and neck cancer is associated with increased survival and encouraging disease-free status. Response to CTRT is inversely proportional to lymphatic tumor load.
Goodman
M D
MD
Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden 08103, USA.
Tarnoff
M
M
Kain
M
M
Slotman
G J
GJ
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D002945:Cisplatin