Role of Induction Chemotherapy Prior to Chemoradiation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer—systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to review and assess the impact of additional induction chemotherapy to concomitant chemoradiation in head and neck squamous cell cancer. We performed a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials of induction chemotherapy + chemoradiation and chemoradiation alone in this setting. We identified trials randomizing 1314 patients (published 2004–2015). A non–statistically significant trend was observed in favor of induction chemotherapy + chemoradiation on overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–1.04). Disease control was superior in the induction chemotherapy + chemoradiation group (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.83). The rate of complete response improved with induction chemotherapy compared with concomitant chemoradiation (relative risk, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–1.92). This study showed no benefit of induction chemotherapy + chemoradiation on overall survival. However, improved complete response rate and death certificate–only registrations may imply that selected patients may benefit from induction chemotherapy.