Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly versus triweekly cisplatin in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Comparative analysis

Background Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy is standard of care for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This systemic review compared efficacy and safety of weekly vs triweekly cisplatin in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Methods Among 1500 prospective studies published from 1970 to 2015, 39 (18 weekly, 21 triweekly) including 3668 patients qualified for inclusion. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using weighted estimates and 2-tailed t test for comparisons; significance level was 0.05. Results Locoregional control was 58% (CI 53%-63%) vs 61% (CI 56%-65%; P = .7). The 2-year overall survival (OS) was 74% (CI 66%-80%) for weekly vs 67% (64%-69%) triweekly groups (P = .67). The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 69% (CI 59%-77%) for weekly vs 62% (CI 58%-65%) triweekly groups (P = .9). Grade 3 to 5 toxicities were 36% vs 40% (P = .37) in weekly vs triweekly groups. Conclusions Weekly cisplatin was comparable in efficacy and safety to the triweekly regimen. Our analysis supports the use of weekly or triweekly cisplatin in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, with tolerability being a key factor in selection.