Efficacy of Tegafur-Uracil Maintenance Therapy in Non-Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with non-metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) face high risks of recurrence after curative-intent treatment. Maintenance therapy aims to prolong disease control during this vulnerable period. Tegafur-uracil (UFT), an oral fluoropyrimidine with a favorable toxicity profile, has demonstrated efficacy in other solid tumors. This study systematically evaluated the survival benefits of UFT as a maintenance therapy in HNSCC.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with the protocol registered on the Open Science Framework. PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched through May 2025. Eligible studies included adult pati

SUBMITTER: Lee HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12591246 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature