Induction chemotherapy prior to surgery did not improve survival, but may reduce mandibulectomy over surgery alone in locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity: Abstracted from: Licitra L, Grandi C, Guzzo M et al. Primary chemotherapy in resectable oral cavity squamous cell cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21: 327–33.

Abstract

There is little evidence about the most effective treatments for oral cavity cancer. Most research in this area examines ‘head and neck cancer’ more generally. Tumours recur in about half of people with locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity treated with surgery and radiotherapy. It remains unclear whether induction chemotherapy before surgery improves survival or functional outcomes in locally advanced oral cavity cancer.