Induction chemotherapy prior to surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy for oral cavity cancer patients : systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Locoregionally advanced oral cavity cancers are aggressive tumours with high risk of relapse after definitive treatment. This study was performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of induction chemotherapy prior to surgery for untreated oral cavity cancer patients. Material and methods Only prospective phase III randomised studies comparing induction chemotherapy followed by surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy (Chemo Group) compared with surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy (Control Group) were eligible. Two of the authors independently selected and assessed the studies regarding eligibility criteria and risk of bias. Results Two studies were selected. A total of 451 patients were randomly assigned to Chemo Group (n = 226) versus Control Group (n = 225). Most patients had tumours at clinical stages III/IV (89.1%). Both trials were classified as having low risk of bias. No significant overall benefit in favour of induction chemotherapy was found regarding loco-regional recurrence, disease-free survival and overall survival. A subgroup analysis of individual data from cN2 patients showed statistically significant overall survival benefit in favour of induction chemotherapy. The included studies did not directly compare toxicity between the groups and no statistical analysis was performed regarding safety outcomes. Conclusions Based on the available studies, induction chemotherapy when administered before surgery with curative intent did not improve clinical outcomes in locoregionally advanced oral cavity cancer patients. Clinically assessed N2 patients might benefit from induction chemotherapy.