Concurrent chemoradiotherapy compared with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare survival and functional outcomes in patients with advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with either surgery + adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: Patients treated with curative intent by either surgery + RT or concurrent CRT were identified over a 6-year period (2001-2007). Disease and functional outcomes were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients underwent surgical excision and received postoperative RT. Fifty patients underwent concurrent CRT. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) was significantly higher in the surgically treated group (p < .001). Long-term enteral feeding tube support was more commonly required in those treated with CRT, whereas osteoradionecrosis rates were comparable between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment by surgery + adjuvant RT for advanced oral cavity SCC resulted in better disease control than treatment with CRT. This supports traditional surgical treatment algorithms for oral cavity cancer.