Zhang Y, et al. - Through a parallel-group, multi-center, randomized, controlled, phase 3 trial, researchers assessed the effectiveness of gemcitabine and cisplatin induction chemotherapy added to platinum-based concurrent chemo-radiotherapy vs chemo-radiotherapy alone for patients with loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. There were 480 patients randomized in a 1:1 ratio to gemcitabine, cisplatin and chemo-radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy alone. Significant improvement in recurrence-free survival and overall survival was noted when induction chemotherapy was given with chemotherapy vs chemo-radiotherapy alone. A higher incidence of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea, and vomiting was seen in the induction chemotherapy group.