Simultaneous combination of chemotherapy using protracted infusion of low-dose cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with radiotherapy. Relationship between the size of the irradiation field and hemotoxicity.
BACKGROUND
We simultaneously administered continuous intravenous injection of low-dose cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with radiation to treat patients with esophageal or lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the grade of hemotoxicity and the area of the irradiation field in these patients.


METHODS
Between March 1993 and December 1998, 21 patients with esophageal cancer and 12 with lung cancer, who had undergone this combined therapy, were analyzed with regards to several factors, including age, radiation dose, the size of the irradiation field and dose of CDDP administered.


RESULTS
The area of the irradiation field was significantly larger in patients with esophageal cancer (p = 0.0079), whilst with regards to hemotoxicity, both the white blood cell count (WBC) and the platelet count were significantly reduced in patients with esophageal cancer (p = 0.0047 and p = 0.0407, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The size of the irradiation field is related to the grade of hemotoxicity when chemo-radiotherapy is simultaneously administered.
Itoh
Yoshiyuki
Y
Department of Radiology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Shouwa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.
Huwa
Nobukazu
N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil