Outcomes of Radical Radiotherapy (RT) or Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in Surgically Inoperable Advanced Oral Cavity Cancer: A Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND

Patients with locally advanced, surgically unresectable oral squamous cell cancers (SU-OSCC) are often treated with palliative intent. There is limited information on the outcomes of radical intent treatment with radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined patients with Stage III/IV previously untreated SU-OSCC treated definitively from 2011 to 2021 in a single institution with RT or CRT with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Oral tongue (38%) and buccal mucosa (32%) were the commonest subsites. T4a, T4b, and N2-3 disease were present in 28 (40.6%), 26 (37.7%), and 39 (56.5%) patients, respectively. Median OS and PFS of the whole group were 16 months and 10 months. The 2-year loco-regional control was 60.4%. Bone involvement or NACT use did not affect outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Upfront radical RT/CRT in patients with SU-OSCC with good performance status results in good outcomes and should be preferred to a palliative approach.