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Neoadjuvant chemotherapy preceding definitive surgical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
Q
Quan, Daniel
F
Félix Maldonado-Chapa
W
Waitzman, Jacob
DOI:10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104753delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Objective: This study evaluates the impact of platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on response rates (RR), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and adverse events (AE) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to inform treatment strategies. Data sources: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NACT with upfront surgery. Review methods: Search terms including variations of 'head and neck squamous cell carcinoma', 'neoadjuvant therapy', and 'randomized controlled trial' were used. Eligible RCTs were analyzed using a random-effects model Results: Out of 6104 screened studies, 12 studies describing nine unique RCTs (n = 1601) were included. The pooled RR with NACT was 63 % (95 % CI: 46-78 %). Meta-analysis showed no significant differences in OS (HR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.82-1.11) or DFS (HR 0.87, 95 % CI 0.70-1.08) between the NACT and upfront surgery groups. However, NACT regimens comprised of a platinum and fluorouracil with or without a taxane (TPF/PF) showed a significant improvement in DFS (HR 0.76, 95 % CI 0.61-0.94) but not in OS (HR 0.86, 95 % CI 0.70-1.06). The estimated rate of grade 3-5 AEs following NACT was 31 % (95 % CI: 21-43 %). Conclusions: NACT did not significantly improve OS or DFS among all studies. However, TPF/PF regimens showed a significant DFS benefit, suggesting a potential advantage in using regimens for patients with HNSCC.
Keywords:
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Head and neck cancer
Survival outcomes
Adverse events

Journal

American Journal of Otolaryngology cover
American Journal of Otolaryngology
IF:
1.7
Papers:
87
Citations:
5.3K

Organization

B
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Scholars:
2.3K
Papers: 1.8K
Citations: 2.4K
W
wayne state university
Scholars:
2.0W
Papers: 1.6W
Citations: 17
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