Revisiting induction chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. References and reviews.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are highly responsive to induction chemotherapy. However, randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage with the addition of induction chemotherapy to locoregional therapy consisting of surgery and/or radiation therapy. Currently, concomitant radiation and chemotherapy has emerged as a standard and has optimized locoregional control in head and neck cancer.

Revisiting induction chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are highly responsive to induction chemotherapy. However, randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage with the addition of induction chemotherapy to locoregional therapy consisting of surgery and/or radiation therapy. Currently, concomitant radiation and chemotherapy has emerged as a standard and has optimized locoregional control in head and neck cancer.

Neck dissection in the combined-modality therapy of patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of neck lymph node (ND) in the combined dissection modality therapy for locoregionally advanced head and neck.

Methods: We identified patients with N2-N3 head and neck cancers who were enrolled in three consecutive multicenter phase II studies of concurrent chemoradiotherapy utilizing 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea on an alternate-week schedule with radiotherapy twice daily plus either cisplatin (C-FHX) or paclitaxel (T-FHX). Patients with unknown primary tumors, nasopharyngeal or paranasal sinus primaries, nonsquamous histology, progression or death during therapy, or incomplete therapy were excluded.