Impact of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5‐Fluorouracil Therapy on Synchronous Early‐Stage Oropharyngeal/Hypopharyngeal Cancer in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

ABSTRACT Background To evaluate the therapeutic effect of neoadjuvant docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5‐fluorouracil (NeoDCF), the standard treatment for stage IB–III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), against synchronous superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). Methods We retrospectively reviewed ESCC patients with synchronous early‐stage PSCC who received NeoDCF. The primary endpoint was disease‐specific survival (DSS) for PSCC. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), local tumor response, and time to progression (TTP) of PSCC. Results Among 786 patients with ESCC, 58 (7.4%) had synchronous early‐stage PSCC. Local tumor response was complete disappearance in 33 (57%) patients, partial reduction in 24 (41%), and no change in 1 (2%). The 3‐year DSS, OS, and TTP were 100%, 61%, and 78%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the Tis and T1/T2 groups ( p = 0.67). Conclusions NeoDCF demonstrated excellent efficacy against early‐stage PSCC, supporting prioritization of ESCC treatment with timely local intervention for recurrent PSCC.