Targeted intra-arterial chemoradiation for advanced tonsil cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of combined radiation and targeted, intra-arterial (IA) cisplatin infusions (RADPLAT) in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tonsil.


METHODS
Prospective study of treatment outcomes and toxicity of patients enrolled on the RADPLAT protocol, with specific analysis of patients with advanced SCC of the tonsil.


RESULTS
Thirty patients with advanced tonsil carcinoma (17 T(4), 12 T(3), 1 T(2)) were enrolled, and 24 of 30 patients completed at least 3 IA cisplatin infusions and a minimum of 63 Gy or radiation therapy (minimum therapy). Two-year estimated overall and disease-specific survival was 42% and 50%, respectively, for all 30 patients (intent-to-treat group) and 49% and 58%, respectively, for the minimum therapy subgroup. The 2-year estimated local and regional disease control was 87% and 90%, respectively, for the intent-to-treat group, and 100% and 90% for the minimum therapy subgroup. Functional organ preservation was achieved in 92% of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Locoregional disease control achieved with this regimen appears to be significantly improved over that described in the literature for similarly staged tonsil cancer. Survival, on the other hand, remains comparable.
Naidu
Srikanth I
SI
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38613, USA.
Vieira
Francisco
F
Samant
Sandeep
S
Vang
Meng C
MC
Wan
Ajim Y
AY
Robbins
Thomas K
TK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D015996:Survival Rate; D014067:Tonsillar Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002945:Cisplatin