Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx

Abstract

Background: To assess the response rate and impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 80 patients with locally advanced laryngopharynx carcinoma who received NACT from April 2010 to October 2011 at our tertiary care center. The patients received NACT either for achieving resectability or for organ preservation. Results: Majority of the patients (60%) had T4 a disease. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was seen in 18%, febrile neutropenia in 4%, mucositis in 4%, diarrhea in 5%, and vomiting in 3% patients. Resectability could be achieved in 34%, and larynx was preserved in 51% patients at a mean follow-up of 13 months. Conclusions: NACT was safe with acceptable toxicity. Majority of the patients who achieved resectability had oropharyngeal involvement. NACT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy could provide a high rate of organ preservation.