Platinum-based induction chemotherapy followed by radiation as definitive treatment for patients with locally advanced cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx. A retrospective analysis of 32 cases

J Chemother. 1991 Jun;3(3):183-8. doi: 10.1080/1120009x.1991.11739090.

Abstract

Thirty-two patients with locally advanced cancer of oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx were treated with three cycles of platinum-based induction chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. After completion of the combined treatment 50% of the patients were in complete response (CR) and 28% in partial response (PR). So far, 24 patients have died. Local progression occurred in 20 patients. Survival is 29% at 24 months. Seven (22%) patients remain alive and have been disease-free for 22-59 months. In conclusion, induction chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy may omit radical surgery, without compromising survival, in some patients with locally advanced cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / administration & dosage
  • Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitomycins / administration & dosage
  • Mouth Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Mouth Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Mouth Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Mitomycins
  • Carboplatin
  • Cisplatin
  • Hydroxyurea