Study on locoregional response with combined modality using conventional dose radiation therapy and concurrent single agent cispatin chemotherapy in locally advanced hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Background: In the Indian situation, as of now, there can only be two ways of controlling malignancies. One is by way of primary prevention and the other being managing the advanced disease. Thus, comparatively newer modalities of concurrent chemoradiation particularly with cisplatinum are producing high locoregional control. Aim: To describe the loco-regional response with combined modality treatment using conventional dose radiation therapy and concurrent single agent cisplatin chemotherapy in locally advanced hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas, to describe the toxicity profile and feasibility of treatment regimen with combined modality chemo-radiation therapy, to describe the success with organ preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers using combined modality chemo- radiation therapy. Materials and methods: Total number of patients available for analysis was 26. All the patients were assessed for immediate response and for acute local and systemic toxicities. The end points of the study included. The initial tumor response - immediately on completion of treatment and at 6 weeks, Acute local and systemic toxicity due to concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Organ preservation. Results: Concurrent chemoradiation using conventional dose radiation therapy (6600 CGy) and single agent CDDP given on days 1, 22, 43 as studied in this cross sectional study achieves significant local control rates and organ preservation goals. The toxicities seen in this combined modality regimens appeared to be tolerable. Study showed with statistical significance, that the T stage and stage of a disease affects response at local and regional node sites respectively. Conclusion: Concurrent chemoradiation using conventional dose radiation therapy (6600 CGy) and single agent CDDP given on days 1, 22, 43 as studied in this cross sectional study achieves significant local control rates and organ preservation goals.