[Induction chemotherapy in T1 and T2 tumors of the tonsillar area]

Tumors of the tonsillar Fossa classed T1T2 are generally treated by irradiation with high rates of local control. Patient survival is related to the risk of developing distant metastatic disease and second head and neck cancers. The use of induction chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck gives a high rate of clinical tumor response and for this reason, it is increasingly used in standard treatment regimens. However, the long term results in terms of improved local control and improved survival (from a decreased rate of metastases) has not been clearly demonstrated. In addition, the toxicity of primary chemotherapy is not negligible. After review of the literature, the role of induction chemotherapy should be evaluated only in reference to randomized trials.