Thermochemotherapy of lower lip squamous cell carcinoma without metastases: an experience of 31 cases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, functional and aesthetic results, and safety of a novel treatment, thermochemotherapy, for lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC) without metastases.

A combination of local hyperthermia delivered by a 915MHz microwave heating system and the chemotherapy of pingyangmycin (bleomycin A(5) hydrochloride) (PYM) and methotrexate (MTX), was administered to 31 patients of LLSCC twice per week for a period of 4.5-7.5 weeks. Patients with complete response (CR) have been followed up for a full five-year period, whereas partial response (PR) patients were excluded for further analysis. The local control of tumour, functional and cosmetic outcomes, recurrence, regional lymph node and distant metastases, and complications were assessed by clinical and imaging examination.

Clinical CR was observed in twenty-nine (93.55%) patients and PR in two (6.45%), the total response rate was 100%, while the adverse effects were extremely minimal and tolerable in all 31 patients including 6 elderly patients with a compromised general condition. All 29 CR, including 8 extensive lesions, achieved excellent cosmetic and functional preservation. During the follow-up period, local relapse was seen in 1 case, 1 patient died, and the remainder obtained a complete remission.

This clinical study suggests that thermochemotherapy may be a feasible treatment for primary LLSCC without cervical metastases, especially for patients with extensive lesions and a compromised general condition.