Patterns of failure among patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who obtain a complete response to chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant neck dissection in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who obtain complete clinical and radiologic response following definitive chemoradiation treatment is controversial.

METHODS

Patterns of failure among 120 patients with locally advanced SCCHN, all with node-positive disease, treated with concurrent chemoradiation, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-one of the patients achieved a complete response and were observed without undergoing neck dissection. Isolated failure in the neck occurred in 2 patients. The most common site of failure was metastatic disease (17 patients). Six patients had recurrence at the primary only, and 1 experienced failure in the neck and at the primary. Partial responders with resectable disease underwent neck dissection following chemoradiation. This group had worse local control and overall survival compared with complete responders.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend observation after definitive chemoradiation for complete responders. Further research is needed to improve outcomes among partial responders.