Chemoembolization of head and neck cancer with carboplatine microcapsules

Fourteen patients with malignant tumor in the head and neck region were treated with infusion of carboplatine microcapsules (CBDCA-mc) via percutaneous super-selective catheterization. A microcatheter was advanced into a feeding artery using a coaxial catheter system. Eleven patients had over 30% reduction of the tumor size on CT within 1 month after embolization. Twelve patients had an increased amount of low attenuation tissue in the tumor on CT after embolization, suggesting increased necrosis in the tumor. No definite hematologic toxicity was found. A majority of patients complained of moderate pain in the embolized region immediately after embolization, easily relieved by i.v. analgesics. Chemoembolization using CBDCA-mc may be an effective therapeutic modality in advanced cases of head and neck cancer.