Induction chemotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: role, controversy, and future directions.

摘要: Abstract Background The value of induction chemotherapy (ICT) remains under investigation despite decades research. New advancements in the field, specifically regarding regimen choice, have reignited interest this approach for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma head and neck (LA SCCHN). Sufficient evidence has accumulated benefits superiority TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil) over doublet cisplatin fluorouracil. We therefore sought to collate interpret available data further discuss considerations delivering ICT safely optimally selecting suitable post-ICT regimens. Design nonsystematically reviewed published phase III clinical trials on a variety LA SCCHN patient populations conducted between 1990 2017. Results may confer survival organ preservation subgroup functionally inoperable or poor-prognosis SCCHN. Additionally, operable disease good prognosis (who are not candidates preservation) benefit from terms reducing local distant failure rates facilitating treatment deintensification selected populations. safe administration requires by multidisciplinary team at an experienced institution. management adverse events associated radiotherapy-based is crucial. Finally, alternatives concurrent radiotherapy (i.e. cetuximab carboplatin plus radiotherapy) appear promising must be investigated further. Conclusions evidence-based choice confers when it administered paired optimal regimen, which, however, no consensus currently exists.