Randomized Phase III Trial of Low-dose Isotretinoin for Prevention of Second Primary Tumors in Stage I and II Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Low-dose isotretinoin was not effective in reducing the rate of second primary tumors or death or smoking-related disease. Smoking statistically significantly increased the rate of second primary tumors and death. Ongoing trials are testing higher doses of isotretinoin as part of combination bioadjuvant therapeutic methods for patients with locally advanced HNSCC.