Induction chemotherapy of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Previous studies have investigated the value of induction chemotherapy (IC) in organ preservation strategies for head and neck cancers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sequential IC with radiotherapy as a laryngeal preservation strategy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LAHSCC).

Methods: One hundred and forty-two consecutive patients with LAHSCC were retrospectively analyzed who received three IC regimens from 2015 to 2019.

Results: In the TP (docetaxel plus cisplatin), TPF (TP plus 5-fluorouracil), and TPX (TP plus capecitabine) IC groups, there were 51, 29, and 62 patients, respectively. The primary tumor objective response rates were 51%, 55.2%, and 71%, and the 3-year survival rates with preserved larynx were 36.6%, 31.8%, and 51.2%, respectively (p = 0.03). There was no difference in overall survival and the adverse events were tolerable.

Conclusions: The TPX regimen displayed good efficacy and safety, indicating its potential as a therapeutic IC regimen for LAHSCC.