Radiotherapy With Cisplatin vs Carboplatin Paclitaxel for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) treatment often involves chemoradiotherapy.
• Carboplatin/paclitaxel (C/P) is used for patients ineligible for cisplatin, but comparative data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical outcomes of SCCHN patients treated with C/P versus cisplatin concurrently with radiotherapy.
• To evaluate efficacy and safety in definitive and postoperative settings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center comparative effectiveness study (2010-2021).
• Included 308 SCCHN patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy with C/P or cisplatin.
• Analyzed locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in 3-year LRFS, PFS, DMFS, or OS between C/P and cisplatin groups.
• 3-year OS rates were 90.8% for cisplatin vs. 92.9% for C/P.
• C/P was associated with higher rates of grade 3-4 leukopenia, anemia, dermatitis, and increased hospitalizations/feeding tube placements.

Conclusions:

• C/P and cisplatin demonstrate comparable survival outcomes for SCCHN patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.
• C/P is a viable alternative for patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin.
• While effective, C/P regimen requires careful monitoring for increased toxicity.