Docetaxel and cisplatin induction chemotherapy with or without fluorouracil in locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A real-world data study

• Induction therapy with TPF or TP has been indicated for advanced HNSCC patients. • TPF is more toxic and requires infusion device or in-hospital administration of 5-FU. • We analyzed the outcomes of advanced HNSCC patients treated with TPF or TP. • ICT regimens did not alter patients’ toxicity, response rate and survival. • TP is a good treatment option for advanced HNSCC in socioeconomically limited settings. To evaluate outcomes of locoregionally advanced patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with Induction Therapy (ICT). Toxicity, response rate, and Event-Free Survival (EFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were evaluated in patients treated with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil (TPF) or docetaxel and Cisplatin (TP). ICT regimens did not alter response to ICT, and patients’ EFS and OS. Cox multivariate analysis identified stable or progressive disease (HR = 5.56) and interval between cycles ≥28 days (HR = 2.79) as predictors of lower EFS, and ECOG ≥ 1 (HR = 3.42), stable or progressive disease (HR = 4.67), and interval between cycles ≥28 days (HR = 2.73) as predictors of lower OS. Our findings indicate TP as a good treatment option for locoregionally advanced HNSCC, especially in socioeconomically limited settings. 3.