Comparison cisplatin with cisplatin plus 5FU in head and neck cancer patients received postoperative...

To compare the treatment outcomes and toxicity of both cisplatin and cisplatin plus 5FU chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients who have received surgery, in addition to postoperative chemoradiotherapy.

From May 1991 to December 2012, a total of 113 head and neck cancer patients who received surgery, along with postoperative chemoradiotherapy were analyzed. The primary sites were oral cavity (86), oropharynx (17), hypopharynx (4), and larynx (6). Thirty-nine patients received cisplatin (P), while 74 patients received cisplatin plus 5FU (PF). The endpoints were overall survival (OS), local failure-free survival (LFFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).

The median follow up time was 43months, with a range of 4-222months. The 3-year rates of OS, LFFS, and DMFS were 62.1%, 71.3%, and 82.4%, respectively. The 3-year OS for P and PF were 71.3% and 57.5% (p=0.27). A multivariate analysis revealed that various chemotherapy regimens displayed no statistical difference for OS (Hazard Ratio [HR]=1.81; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.963-3.408; p=0.065), LFFS (HR=0.98; 95% CI=0.458-2.127; p=0.973), and DMFS (HR=1.25; 95% CI=0.463-3.398; p=0.656). Grade 3 and 4 mucositis for P and PF group were 61.5% and 64.9%. A greater than grade 3 dermatitis for P and PF group were 7.7% and 14.9%.

Postoperative chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin alone appeared to have higher 3-year OS and lower severe mucositis and dermatitis than cisplatin plus 5FU.