Impact of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil Therapy on Synchronous Early-Stage Oropharyngeal/Hypopharyngeal Cancer in Patients With Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of neoadjuvant docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (NeoDCF), the standard treatment for stage IB-III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), against synchronous superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed ESCC patients with synchronous early-stage PSCC who received NeoDCF. The primary endpoint was disease-specific survival (DSS) for PSCC. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), local tumor response, and time to progression (TTP) of PSCC.

RESULTS

Among 786 patients with ESCC, 58 (7.4%) had synchronous early-stage PSCC. Local tumor response was complete disappearance in 33 (57%) patients, partial reduction in 24 (41%), and no change in 1 (2%). The 3-year DSS, OS, and TTP were 100%, 61%, and 78%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the Tis and T1/T2 groups (p = 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

NeoDCF demonstrated excellent efficacy against early-stage PSCC, supporting prioritization of ESCC treatment with timely local intervention for recurrent PSCC.