Objective

 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiation-based locoregional therapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) patients who did not respond to induction chemotherapy (IC).

 Study Design

  Outcomes after radiation-based locoregional therapy were retrospectively analyzed.

 Results

 Among a total of 208 patients treated with IC, 46 (22.1%) did not respond. After IC, patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), or surgery with or without postoperative RT. Among the 46 nonresponders, 17 (37.8%) patients underwent surgery and 28 (62.2%) were treated with RT or CCRT. Responses to subsequent RT or CCRT for 26 evaluable patients were as follows: complete response=7 (26.9%), partial response=9 (34.6%), stable disease=4 (15.4%), and progressive disease=6 (23.1%).

 Conclusion

  A significant proportion of LA-HNSCC patients who did not respond to IC can benefit from subsequent RT or CCRT.

 Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology

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