Neoadjuvant Capecitabine in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Is neoadjuvant capecitabine a safe and effective treatment for achieving tumor regression in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck?In this prospective case series of 15 patients treated with neoadjuvant capecitabine, 10 (67%) achieved clinical tumor regression, and 5 surgically treated patients (42%) had a complete pathologic response. No grade 3 or higher capecitabine-related toxic effects were reported.The study results suggest that neoadjuvant capecitabine is effective in tumor downstaging without severe treatment-related toxic effects, potentially offering disease control for patients experiencing surgical delays or those who are ineligible to receive immunotherapy.

Corresponding Authors: Marco A. Mascarella, MD, MSc, PhD (marco.mascarella@mcgill.ca), and Khashayar Esfahani, MD, MSc (khashayar.esfahani@mcgill.ca), Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Ch 10 de la Cote Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T1E2, Canada.

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