title: The role of sequential chemoradiation for local advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to assess survival, prognostic indicators, and pattern of failure for advanced oropharyngeal cancer treated by induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiation (sequential CRT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of 80 consecutive patients who underwent chemoradiation [doublet cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF)] for local advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma at a tertiary center from March 2003 to July 2008 is reported. Seven studies utilizing a similar protocol were reviewed, and all outcomes are collated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At a median follow-up of 32 months, the 3-year overall survival was 75%. Tumor size (p < 0.001), age at presentation (p < 0.002), and failure to complete the full course of induction chemotherapy (p < 0.01) were all found to be significant factors affecting survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiation utilizing doublet PF is an effective treatment for local advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma. At present, the addition of a taxane to the PF regimen cannot be assumed to provide benefit until further evidence emerges from a representative controlled trial.
authors: Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK, lmm398@doctors.org.uk.
authors: Liam
authors: L
authors: Masterson
authors: Faiz
authors: F
authors: Tanweer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil