Related Experiment Videos
Hypercalcemia in head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma.
1Department of Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, FL 33136.
American Journal of Clinical Oncology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Advanced head and neck cancer with hypercalcemia can be managed with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. This treatment offers prolonged control of hypercalcemia and potential tumor response, especially in newly diagnosed patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Medical Chemistry
Background:
- Hypercalcemia is often a terminal sign in advanced head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma.
- Conventional treatments are frequently ineffective for hypercalcemia in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in managing refractory hypercalcemia in head and neck cancer patients.
- To assess the impact of this chemotherapy regimen on tumor control and survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of six patients with head and neck carcinoma and refractory hypercalcemia.
- Treatment with intravenous cisplatin and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
Main Results:
- Five patients achieved prolonged control of hypercalcemia with cisplatin and 5-FU, requiring no additional therapy.
- Partial tumor response was observed in three patients with no prior therapy and one with recurrent cancer.
- Survival varied, with longer durations in patients receiving chemotherapy at initial presentation compared to those with recurrent disease.
Conclusions:
- Cisplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy effectively controls hypercalcemia in head and neck cancer for extended periods.
- Chemotherapy demonstrates significant potential for tumor control and survival prolongation in newly diagnosed advanced head and neck cancer with hypercalcemia.
- The impact on survival is limited in patients with recurrent disease previously treated with surgery or radiation.