How far can we exert organ preservation in cancer of the maxillary sinus?

A combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery improved the 5-year survival rate of patients with cancer of the maxillary sinus by more than 60%. In recent years, considering the QOL of patients when they return to their former social environments, treatment methods exerting organ preservation are expected. The present study evaluated whether the combination of massive intraarterial infusion of CDDP and radiotherapy can reduce the frequency of surgical treatment for cancer of the maxillary sinus. Satisfactory results were obtained after the completion of radiotherapy (regional CR rate: 66.7%, response rate: 91.7%). Moreover, the pathohistological CR rate was 75%, and local control of the cancer was achieved by this combination therapy in 6 of 12 patients (50%) without surgical treatment. Furthermore, the 2-year cumulative survival rate was 75% when evaluated in all patients, using the Kaplan-Meier method. Although the period of investigation was short, the results of the present study suggested that the combination of massive intraarterial infusion of CDDP and radiotherapy could reduce the frequency of surgical treatment and could contribute to organ preservation in cancer therapy. (author)