Tumor volume as a predictive parameter in the sequential therapy (induction chemotherapy) of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Purpose Tumor volume in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (LAHNSCC) treated by induction chemotherapy (ICT) and followed by radiochemotherapy (RCT) was measured. The presence of potential correlation of initial tumor volume and volume reduction after ICT and RCT with remission status, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were investigated. Furthermore, reliability of approximation of the tumor volume relying on its diameter to manual three-dimensional measurement was assessed. Methods Data of patients with LAHNSCC treated by ICT consisting of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) followed by definite RCT were retrospectively analyzed. The tumor volume was calculated slice-by-slice in contrast-enhanced CT or MRI before and after ICT as well as after complete treatment. The volume was compared to radiologic remission status, correlated with OS and DFS, and to volume estimation using tumor diameter. Result 65 patients were included. Primary tumor volume did not correlate with complete remission rate (CR) after ICT and RCT, OS or DFS. The change in tumor volume between baseline imaging and post-RCT had a significant impact on OS ( p = 0.026) and DFS ( p = 0.028). The agreement between tumor volume and radiologic remission was 72.14%. Conclusion The initial tumor volume had no influence on CR, OS or DFS. A severe response to ICT did not predict a powerful RCT outcome. The change in tumor volume post-RCT had an impact on OS and DFS. Tumor volume estimation using its diameter seems to be a reliable method.