Induction chemotherapy in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Platinum-based chemotherapy administered concurrently with radiation has been adopted as the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Historically, randomized trials using induction chemotherapy prior to radiation therapy alone have failed to demonstrate a clear survival advantage, and concurrent chemoradiation has delivered better results than previously obtained with radiation therapy alone, establishing the benefit of adding chemotherapy. This method of treatment, together with new modalities of therapy and novel agents, has reintroduced the question of induction chemotherapy before definitive chemoradiation. Systemic chemotherapy offers a better possibility of reducing systemic metastasis and improving cosmetic appearance. This article reviews developing trends using induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Roman
Eloy
E
University of Miami, School of Medicine, Division of Hematology - Medical Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1475 NW 12 Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. eroman@med.miami.edu
Raez
Luis E
LE
Santos
Edgardo S
ES
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents