Induction chemotherapy of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Background Previous studies have investigated the value of induction chemotherapy (IC) in organ preservation strategies for head and neck cancers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sequential IC with radiotherapy as a laryngeal preservation strategy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LAHSCC). Methods One hundred and forty-two consecutive patients with LAHSCC were retrospectively analyzed who received three IC regimens from 2015 to 2019. Results In the TP (docetaxel plus cisplatin), TPF (TP plus 5-fluorouracil), and TPX (TP plus capecitabine) IC groups, there were 51, 29, and 62 patients, respectively. The primary tumor objective response rates were 51%, 55.2%, and 71%, and the 3-year survival rates with preserved larynx were 36.6%, 31.8%, and 51.2%, respectively (p = 0.03). There was no difference in overall survival and the adverse events were tolerable. Conclusions The TPX regimen displayed good efficacy and safety, indicating its potential as a therapeutic IC regimen for LAHSCC.