Predictive Factors for Completion of TPF Induction Chemotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Background Induction therapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil (TPF) is a treatment option for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC), but it is not known which patients are appropriate for TPF. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with LAHNC who underwent induction TPF, and evaluated factors predictive of the completion of TPF treatment (defined as ≥3 cycles administered). Results Of the total 93 enrolled patients, 73 (78.5%) achieved therapy completion. In a multivariate analysis, hypolaryngeal/ laryngeal primary tumor site was a negative predictive factor (hazard ratio(HR)=0.32, 95% confidence interval(CI)=0.11-0.96, p=0.041) and body mass index ≥22 kg/m2 was a positive predictive factor (hazard ratio=3.51, 95% confidence intervaI=1.04-11.83, p=0.043) of TPF completion. Conclusion For patients with LAHNC, oropharyngeal primary tumor site and high body mass index can be used to predict TPF completion and may contribute to decisions on the indications for TPF in terms of safety and tolerability.