'Double route arterial chemotherapy' in treatment for head and neck cancer

Objective: To evaluate the treatment for head and neck cancer by direct arterial perfusion of high dose CDDP with intravenous administration of its antagonist thiosulfate simultaneously. Methods; Twelve cases of head and neck cancer were administrated with 150 mg/m2 CDDP for each as weekly through trans-femoral catheterization perfusion with a velocity coinciding to the feeding artery. The thiosulfate infusion was given 30 seconds before CDDP perfusion. Results: The tumor blush and nutrient artery were demonstrated on angiograms with effective therapeutic rate of 100%, featuring as relief of swelling and pain, together with necrotic tissue expectorating from nose and mouth after perfusion of CDDP. Four cases showed complete response, 12 partial response and 2 cases of tumor decreased less than 50%. Conclusion: 'Arterial chemotherapy perfusion with double route' is an effective method for head and neck cancer, and serves as an important adjunct fro surgery. (authors)