Tumor Regression Patterns Based on Follow-up Duration in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy

OBJECTIVES: We describe patterns of tumor regression based on follow-up duration after radiotherapy (RT) or chemo-RT in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study and received definitive RT or chemo-RT. The pattern of primary tumor regression after treatment was evaluated every 1 to 2 months. Predictive factors for the length of time to full regression were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among all patients, 27 patients showed regression of the primary tumor, 24 patients showed >50% regression, and 15 patients showed total regression. The primary tumor gradually regressed during the course of follow-up. The median time to full regression was 5.2 months (range, 1.3 to 17.9 months). In the 24 patients who showed >50% regression, the rate of >50% regression increased over time as follows: 25.0% at 1 month, 62.5% at 2 months, 75.0% at 3 months, 91.7% at 4 months, and 95.8% at 5 months. Higher total RT dose and shorter RT duration were associated with longer time to full regression. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of patients showed continuous regression of the primary tumor for more than 2 months after treatment. The timing for evaluation of tumor regression must be greater than 2 months from the completion of RT or chemo-RT in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.