[Synchronization therapy as a palliative measure in incurable head and neck tumors]

Despite all progress in the therapy of malignant head and neck tumours, about 50% of our patients succumb to their carcinoma or its metastases. For these patients, palliative measures which, at least temporarily, will improve their general condition and the function of respiration as well as food intake, are missing. One, and at the presents perhaps the best, palliative therapy seems to be the so-called synchronization therapy. This therapeutic concept will be discussed here in consideration of experimental basic research and the clinical results. Radiation treatment after partial synchronization of the tumour cells leads with acceptable side effects in more than a half of all cases to a satisfactory or good general condition and food intake, and in nearly one-third of the patients to a distinct prolongation of their life under tolerable circumstances. Additionally, the abatement of tumorous pain and the possibility of ingestion give rise to a clear improvement of the psychic situation of the patient.