Prognostic indicators in induction cis-platinum bleomycin chemotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer

A complete response to induction cis-platinum bleomycin chemotherapy significantly increases the probability of local tumor control and overall disease-free survival. Factors that favor a good response to chemotherapy are tumor histology (well differentiated), location of the primary site (oral cavity and oropharynx), nodal status (N0) and size of the primary lesion (t3 better than T4). Increased cellular maturation after chemotherapy correlates with an improved clinical response. The importance of induction and maintenance chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer still needs to be determined with larger randomized series. Reliable predictors of therapy outcome are needed for realistic treatment planning, especially when the potential morbidity is considered.