The efficacy of orgotein in the treatment of acute toxicity due to radiotherapy on head and neck tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of orgotein in the treatment of acute secondary effects of radiotherapy on head and neck tumors.


METHODS
Data were collected on 41 patients who received radiotherapy for tumors of the head and neck. Radiotherapy was the exclusive treatment in 19.5% of cases, with surgery in 24.4%, chemotherapy in 48.8%, and with both in 7.3%. The toxicity requiring use of orgotein was: oropharynx mucositis (26.8%), dysphagia (34.2%), or both (39%), in grade 2 or more according to the RTOG scale. Orgotein (8 mg i.m.) was administered every 48 hrs until radiotherapy was finished.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 92.5%; a complete response was obtained in 12 patients (30%) and partial in 25 (62.5%). The reduction in toxicity at the end of radiotherapy was one grade in 18 patients (45%), 2 grades in 16 (40%), 3 in 2 patients (5%), and 4 grades in the only patient with grade 4 acute toxicity. A statistically significant influence was shown in obtaining complete response: laryngeal tumor location (P = 0.037), duration of radiotherapy of more than 53 days (P = 0.002), discontinuation for non-toxic reasons (P = 0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
We consider that orgotein is highly effective in dealing with acute secondary effects of radiotherapy on the head and neck area.
Valencia
Javier
J
Radiotherapeutic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa, San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, Spain.
Velilla
Carmen
C
Urpegui
Angel
A
Alvarez
Ignacio
I
Llorens
M Angeles
MA
Coronel
Pilar
P
Polo
Sonia
S
Bascón
Natividad
N
Escó
Ricardo
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008667:Metalloproteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D008667:Metalloproteins; C005180:orgotein