Induction chemotherapy in the management of head and neck cancer

J Surg Oncol. 2010 Mar 15;101(4):292-8. doi: 10.1002/jso.21438.

Abstract

The strategy of induction chemotherapy prior to planned definitive local therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been studied for over 30 years, and appears to have a role in select clinical situations. Here we review landmark studies regarding induction chemotherapy, both in the pre-taxane era and in the current taxane era, and we address some of the unresolved questions regarding the role of induction chemotherapy in head and neck cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bridged-Ring Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Patient Selection
  • Taxoids / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bridged-Ring Compounds
  • Taxoids
  • taxane