Optimal administration frequency of cisplatin concurrently with radical radiotherapy in the definitive treatment of locally advanced, inoperable squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Still obscured by clouds?

Here we present a summary of existing evidence from meta-analyses and systematic reviews in the setting of locally advanced, inoperable squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, treated with radical radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin therapy either weekly or every 3 weeks. Taken together, the data seem to indicate that there is no difference in major outcomes, including toxicity. However, caution in the interpretation of the data should be exercised due to poor quality of original studies, none of which was a prospective randomized phase III trial. Practicing clinicians should continue using their best judgment about the most appropriate treatment option in this setting, taking into account both the existing evidence and also various patient and tumor characteristics.