Interactions between outcomes and tumor response to preoperative cisplatin-sensitized radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer

background Whether or not tumor response to chemotherapy-sensitized radiation therapy (CTRT) for head and neck cancer leads to an improved outcome is unknown. methods Forty patients who received preoperative cisplatin plus simultaneous radiotherapy for operable stage III and IV head and neck cancer were reviewed retrospectively regarding clinical demographics, staging, and survival status. results Twenty-one (57%) patients had a histologic complete response (HCR) and 16 (43%) had a partial (PR) (9) or clinical complete (7) response (CCR). Tumor response of N1 versus N2–3 nodal disease showed 6 (75%) HCR and 4 (25%). Fiveyear disease-free survival overall was 82% for HCR versus 38% for PR/CCR (P< 0.05). Disease specific 5-year survival was 100% for HCR versus 27% for PR/CCR (P<0.002). conclusions Histologic complete response to CTRT for head and neck cancer is associated with increased survival and encouraging disease free status. Response to CTRT is inversely proportional to lymphatic tumor load.