Induction chemotherapy for oral cavity cancer patients: Current status and future perspectives

• Induction chemotherapy in non-surgical protocols included a small proportion of patients with oral cavity cancers.
• Induction chemotherapy with three drugs (taxane plus PF) followed by (chemo)radiotherapy improved overall survival compared to induction chemotherapy with two drugs (PF) followed by (chemo)radiotherapy.
• In general, induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy compared to chemoradiotherapy upfront has similar clinical outcomes (overall survival).
• No overall survival benefit was observed in oral cavity cancer patients treated with induction chemotherapy followed by surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy compared to surgery upfront with or without postoperative radiotherapy, in randomized, phase 3 clinical trials.
• Upcoming studies must focus on identifying biomarker features associated with response to induction chemotherapy and improved survival.

SummaryThere is a lack of data from phase III randomized studies to support an ideal approach for locally advanced oral cavity cancer patients. In general, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are valid treatment options, and combined approach is usually indicated given poor clinical outcomes with single modality therapy. The aim of this study is to review the current status and future perspectives of induction chemotherapy for locally advanced oral cavity cancer patients.