Retrospective Analysis of Efficacy and Toxicity of Low-Dose Weekly Cisplatin Concurrently with Radiotherapy for p16-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background

The incidence of p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing, with improved prognosis compared to non-HPV-related cancers. Standard treatment of locally advanced OPSCC involves high-dose cisplatin (HDC) with radiation but is associated with significant toxicity. Low-dose cisplatin (LDC) administered weekly has shown comparable efficacy to HDC in prior studies. This study evaluates the real-world outcomes of LDC in p16-positive OPSCC in a regional centre. Material and methods: Patients treated with curative radiation and concurrent LDC (40 mg/m2 weekly) for p16-positive OPSCC from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analysed (n = 103). Primary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), with secondary endpoints being loco-regional and distant recurrence rates, and chemotherapy-related toxicity.