Comparison of Two Cisplatin Regimens for Chemoradiation in Patients With Squamous-cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Background/Aim: Many patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck receive cisplatin-based chemoradiation. This retrospective study compared two chemoradiation programs to help identify the optimal cisplatin-regimen. Patients and Methods: Forty-one patients assigned to chemoradiation with two cycles of 20 mg/m²/days(d)1-5 were compared to 78 patients assigned to chemoradiation with two cycles of 25 mg/m²/d1-4. Groups were compared for toxicity, loco-regional control (LRC), and survival. Results: Both treatments were associated with similar rates of oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, xerostomia, nausea, decreased renal function, and hematotoxicity. The cisplatin-regimen had no significant impact on LRC (p=0.41) or survival (p=0.85). Survival was significantly worse with radiotherapy interruptions (>1 week) or discontinuation (p<0.001) and administration of <80% of the planned cisplatin dose (p<0.001). Conclusion: Both cisplatin-regimens did not differ significantly regarding toxicities, LRC, and survival. It is important to avoid interruption or discontinuation of radiotherapy and to administer ≥80% of planned cisplatin.