Longitudinal oncology registry of head and neck carcinoma (LORHAN)

Abstract

Background: A study was undertaken to examine the patterns of systemic therapy use in conjunction with radiation therapy for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. Methods: Between December 1, 2005 and May 11, 2009, 2874 patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell cancer who were scheduled to receive radiotherapy and/or drug therapy were registered in a prospective national database. The database was specifically analyzed to examine patients who received chemotherapy in conjunction with definitive radiotherapy. Results: A total of 1144 patients received systemic therapy in conjunction with radiotherapy; 645 (56%) patients received agents concurrent with radiation therapy, 49 (4%) patients received chemotherapy before radiotherapy (induction), 224 (20%) patients received chemotherapy before and during radiotherapy (sequential), and 226 (20%) patients received chemoradiation after surgery. Single-agent cisplatin, single-agent cetuximab, and carboplatin plus paclitaxel were, in order, the 3 most commonly prescribed concurrent regimens. Concurrent cisplatin was more frequently used in the academic setting compared with the community setting (P =.0015). Postoperative chemoradiation, rather than radiation alone, was more commonly used in academic centers compared with community practice centers (P =