Continuous intra-arterial chemotherapy for downstaging locally advanced oral commissure carcinoma
Chih-Fung Wu1, Kao-Ping Chang, Chih-Jen Huang
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness, safety, and efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) infusion chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced oral commissure cancer.
Methods:
Twenty-one patients with stages III and IV squamous cell carcinoma involving the mouth angle were recruited. Methotrexate (MTX; 50 mg/day) was continuously infused into the external carotid artery for a mean period of 8 days, followed by weekly IA bolus of 25 mg MTX for a mean period of 10 weeks.
Results:
Thirteen patients (62%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 7 patients (33%) had a partial response (PR). At a median follow-up of 69 months, the estimated 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates of the patients with CR versus PR were 100% versus 57%, 92% versus 43%, and 80% versus 43%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Our data demonstrate that continuous IA chemotherapy could achieve a competitive acceptable survival rate and improved locoregional control of advanced oral commissure cancer.
