PURPOSE

To evaluate the therapeutic results and rate of organ preservation in patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated with superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy via a superficial temporal artery and daily concurrent radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between April 2002 and March 2006, 30 patients with T3 or T4a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck underwent intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy. Treatment consisted of superselective intra-arterial infusions (docetaxel, total 60 mg/m(2); cisplatin, total 150 mg/m(2)) and daily concurrent radiotherapy (total, 60 Gy) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The median follow-up for all patients was 46.2 months (range, 10-90 months). The median follow-up for living patients was 49.7 months (range, 36-90 months). After intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy was administered, primary site complete response was achieved in 30 (100%) of 30 cases. Seven patients (23.3%) died. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 96.7%, 83.1%, and 70.2%, respectively, while 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year local control rates were 83.3%, 79.7%, and 73.0%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 mucositis occurred in 20 cases (66.7%). Grade 3 toxicities included dysphagia in 20 cases (66.7%), dermatitis in 6 cases (20%), nausea/vomiting in 2 cases (6.7%), and neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 1 case (3.3%). No osteoradionecrosis of mandible and maxillary bones developed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy using a superficial temporal artery provided good overall survival and local control rates. This combination chemoradiotherapy approach can preserve organs and minimize functional disturbance, thus contributing to patients' quality of life.