title: Squamous cell carcinoma of the big toe successfully treated by intra-arterial infusion with methotrexate.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For preservation of integrity of appearance and function in a 57-year-old male with a squamous cell carcinoma of his left big toe who had refused amputation, intra-arterial infusion with methotrexate was used.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of arterial infusion with methotrexate in this uncommon big toe cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Left external iliac arterial catheterization and infusion with methotrexate (50 mg) were used every 24 hours plus simultaneous intramuscular injection of 6 mg of leucovorin every 6 hours for 8 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 7 years and 3 months after therapy, the patient was in sustained complete remission with a functionally normal left foot.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case study suggests that intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy is a simple and effective method for big toe squamous cell carcinoma with the unique advantage of preservation of organ and function. It can be considered as an effective alternative treatment.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Shih Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yi-Shuan
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Sheen
authors.forename: Maw-Chang
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Sheen
authors.forename: Hamm-Ming
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Sheu
authors.forename: Sheau-Fang
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yi-Wen
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006214:Hallux; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D002955:Leucovorin; D008727:Methotrexate