Induction chemotherapy for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: Single institution experience

Abstract Background The role of induction chemotherapy (IC) in locally‐advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) is unclear. Methods A retrospective study of 104 patients with LAHNSCC of the larynx and hypopharynx, treated with IC or up‐front chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Results Eighty patients received CRT and 24 IC followed by CRT; median follow up was 51.33 months. IC significantly improved median overall survival (OS) in the hypopharyngeal cancer group (64.7 vs 21 months, P = .003); with significant difference in the proportion of complete response at first imaging assessment post definitive CRT; no significant difference in disease free survival (DFS), loco‐regional or distant failure in the hypopharyngeal cancer group; or OS and DFS in the laryngeal cancer group. Patients with laryngeal cancer had significantly better median OS than those with hypopharyngeal cancer. Conclusions IC significantly improved complete response rates after CRT, and improved outcomes for patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal, not laryngeal, cancers.