[Combined (radiation and surgical) treatment of laryngeal cancer patients using metronidazole].

The results of combined treatment of 98 laryngeal cancer patients followed up for 1.5-3 years were analysed. Of them 68 received a preoperative radiotherapy course combined with the electron acceptor compound metronidazole. The drug was given in the form of a sugar syrup suspension at a dose of 100-150 mg/kg bw 2.5-3 hours before each of the 4 fractions of irradiation, at 5 Gy twice a week reaching a summary focal dose of 20 Gy. Thirty patients received radiation therapy without metronidazole. Altogether 4 preoperative radiotherapy methods were used. An analysis of the results showed a significant improvement of the cure rates for laryngeal cancer patients using metronidazole, particularly for those with advanced stages. A better healing of postoperative wounds was noted. The author proved the appropriateness of preoperative irradiation by mean fractions up to a summary focal dose of 20 Gy combined with metronidazole and subsequent (on the last or next day of irradiation) radical operation.