Clinical outcomes of radiation-based locoregional therapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients not responding to induction chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiation-based locoregional therapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) patients who did not respond to induction chemotherapy (IC). Study Design. Outcomes after radiation-based locoregional therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Results. Among a total of 208 patients treated with IC, 46 (22.1%) did not respond. After IC, patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), or surgery with or without postoperative RT. Among the 46 nonresponders, 17 (37.8%) patients underwent surgery and 28 (62.2%) were treated with RT or CCRT. Responses to subsequent RT or CCRT for 26 evaluable patients were as follows: complete response = 7 (26.9%), partial response = 9 (34.6%), stable disease = 4 (15.4%), and progressive disease = 6 (23.1%). Conclusion. A significant proportion of LA-HNSCC patients who did not respond to IC can benefit from subsequent RT or CCRT.