Meta-analyses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. What is the role of chemotherapy?

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 1999 Aug;13(4):769-75, vii. doi: 10.1016/s0889-8588(05)70091-5.

Abstract

Despite more than 70 randomized clinical trials comparing locoregional treatment plus chemotherapy with the same locoregional treatment alone, the effect of chemotherapy on the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer is uncertain. Indeed, most of the randomized trials have been inconclusive in this regard, and only a few have reported significant results either in favor of or against chemotherapy. This article focuses on four meta-analyses that included a comparison between chemotherapy (neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or concomitant) plus locoregional treatment versus the same locoregional treatment alone and in which survival was the main end-point.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents