This protocol applies to locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: either tumour stage cT1–T2 with nodal stage cN1–N3 cM0, or tumour stage cT3 across any nodal stage (cN0–N3 cM0). These patients are being managed under a larynx-preservation strategy that incorporates induction chemotherapy.
The preceding treatment line used induction chemotherapy, with the clinical target of achieving a complete or partial tumour response — the threshold required to proceed to definitive radiotherapy and preserve the larynx. When that response is not reached and disease remains stable or progresses after induction, a different path is required. This protocol specifies what that path is.
For patients whose disease does not respond to induction chemotherapy, the protocol directs management toward a surgical approach. The full regimen details — including precise indications, scope, and sequencing — are set out in the structured protocol below.
DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.07.011
cT1−2 cN1−3 cM0, cT3 cN0−3 cM0
induction ChT followed by (i) RT (T and N) in case of complete or partial response after induction or (ii) surgery (T and N) in case of stable or progressive disease after induction [I, A]
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