Does the use of induction chemotherapy in oral cavity cancer compromise subsequent loco-regional treatment delivery: Results from a matched pair analysis.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is being increasingly used in patients with unresectable oral cavity cancers to make them resectable. However, its impact on locoregional treatment delivery in such setting remains poorly studied.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on delivery of further locoregional treatment.

Settings And Design: Mono institutional retrospective audit of patients with oral cavity squamous cell cancers treated with neoadjuvant triplet chemotherapy in India.

Materials And Methods: Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 14) from May 2012 to April 2014 were matched 1:2 to patients undergoing upfront surgery (n = 28) based on age (>60 or 60 and less), gender (male or female) and subsite site (tongue and floor of mouth or buccoalveolar complex). Data regarding factors related to the delivery of locoregional treatment and toxicities were compiled.

Statistical Analysis: Descriptive analysis in the form of median (range) for continuous variables and frequencies for categorical variables.

Results: Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy required more extensive resections and had greater operative time (460 vs. 415 min, P < 0.001). A greater incidence of locoregional wound complications was seen as a consequence (57.1% vs. 14.3%, P, 0.01). However, toxicities during radiotherapy were not substantially different between the two groups and compliance to radiation was also similar. Total package time of 100 days or less, was maintained in 90% of patients in both groups.

Conclusions: Delivery of neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not impair the ability to deliver locoregional treatment.