Modified neoadjuvant therapy regime with low dose irradiation in advanced head and neck cancer patients: preliminary results of a pilot study to minimize side effects.
We analysed the files of 52 patients with advanced head and neck tumors who were treated in a pilot phase. The therapy consisted of two courses of induction chemotherapy with ifosfamide and cisplatin followed by hyperfractionated-accelerated radiotherapy with a total dose of only 30 Gy. Surgery was performed within the following 7 days with tumor resection and neck dissection. Histologically we found in 50% of the specimens total necrosis of the tumor. The median survival time is calculated to be 22 months. The median follow-up time thus far is 36 months. Hence, therapy results are comparable to other therapy schedules. But side effects, especially late side effects had become minor. Therefore, our therapy regime results in augmentation of the quality of life of these patients.
Paracelsus-Strahlenklinik, D-49076 Osnabruck, Germany.
W
W
Wagner
J
J
Hartlapp
E
E
Esser
B
B
Christoph
R
R
Krech
M
M
Alfrink
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors