Induction chemotherapy before surgery for unresectable head and neck cancer

To preoperatively reduce tumour size in patients with locally advanced and/or non-resectable squamous cell carcinoma with induction chemotherapy in order to achieve surgical excision with clear margins and preserve quality of life.

In this study, 16 patients with locally advanced and/or non-resectable squamous cell carcinoma underwent induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouricil or paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab.

Over 80% of patients responded to induction chemotherapy. Histological examination of the 14 surgical specimens showed a total absence of residual cancer cells in 37.5% of cases.

Concurrent radiation and chemotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; however, induction chemotherapy may be beneficial in select patients.