Multi-institutional Survey of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal in Japan

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with advanced cancer of the external auditory canal (EAC) by analyzing the outcome of the patients. Methods This is a multi-institutional retrospective survey, and we reviewed the medical records of the subjects. A total of 181 patients with tumor (T)3 or T4 tumor in 17 institutions were enrolled. Further analysis was performed for 74 patients who underwent CRT under curative intent. Results Overall 5-year survival rates of the patients who underwent CRT (n = 74) were 54.6%. Those of the patients who underwent CRT with modified TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin [CDDP], and 5-fluorouracil) regimen (n = 50) and CRT with CDDP regimens (n = 24) were 64.4% and 36.7%, respectively. Significant differences were observed between these two groups. Conclusion Given the tendency that head and neck surgeons prefer CRT for advanced larger cancer of the EAC, CRT for advanced EAC cancer using the modified TPF regimen showed good clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence 4Laryngoscope, 2020

Automated summary

This study retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 181 patients with advanced cancer of the external auditory canal who underwent chemoradiotherapy, with a focus on 74 patients who showed a 5-year survival rate of 54.6%. Results indicate favorable clinical outcomes for chemoradiotherapy in advanced EAC cancer, especially with the modified TPF regimen.