Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer

The role of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in treatment of head and neck cancer was evaluated. Authers reviewed the patients with cancer in tongue, mesopharynx and hypopharynx, treated in Kyushu Cancer Center. Of twelve T3-4 mesopharyngeal cancers, complete responses were achieved in four cases (33%). Two of eight cases of T3 hypopharyngeal cancer could obtain complete response with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. However, chemoradiotherapy is not effective for advanced oral cancer patients. On the other hand, there is some patients which could not complete a treatment for complications. Patients should be under careful and strict management through concurrent chemoradiotherapy. (author)