American journal of surgery
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Clinical Trial
Preoperative chemoradiation coupled with aggressive resection as needed ensures near total control in advanced head and neck cancer.
Preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation protocols are generally associated with high clinical response rates, but limited pathologic responses for large primary tumors. We have initiated a prospective phase II study of weekly paclitaxel 60 mg/M2, and carboplatin (AUC of 1) plus concurrent fractionated external beam radiation (45 Gy) followed by organ-preserving (or function restorative) surgery when applicable to maximize local-regional tumor control. ⋯ Preoperative treatment with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and radiation is associated with high CR at the primary site and a high level of organ preservation or functional restoration if ablation is done.