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Persistent neck disease after chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2012

J G Sanders ,
K G Smith ,
M B Jameson ,
C de Groot  and
J White
J G Sanders*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wellington Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
K G Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
M B Jameson
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
C de Groot
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
J White
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
*
Address for correspondence: Dr James G Sanders, ORL Registrar, Wellington City Hospital, Private Bag 7902, Wellington South, Wellington, New Zealand E-mail: jgsanders@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to identify the incidence of residual viable neck disease in patients with mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aero-digestive tract, following primary chemoradiation at a tertiary centre.

Study design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of patients treated with primary chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the aero-digestive tract between August 2001 and August 2008. Neck status pre- and post-treatment was the primary focus.

Results:

Forty-two patients with node-positive disease prior to chemoradiation were included. Thirty-seven (88.1 per cent) achieved complete response to treatment: no patient in this group underwent neck dissection, five died due to recurrence at the primary site or distant metastasis, and none suffered neck recurrence. Five (11.9 per cent) patients achieved partial response to chemoradiation and underwent neck dissection; viable tumour was found in one patient.

Conclusion:

Our data support conservative management of the neck in patients with complete response to chemoradiation, and consolidation neck dissection in patients with partial response.

Keywords

Squamous Cell CarcinomaChemotherapyRadiotherapyNeoplasm MetastasisRadiology

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 11 , November 2012 , pp. 1121 - 1126
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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