Intraarterial chemotherapy of head and neck cancer: worth another look?

Early studies of intraarterial chemotherapy in patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck resulted in tumor response rates similar to those achieved with systemic chemotherapy, but which were associated with unacceptable morbidity. The results of recent clinical trials suggest that intraarterial chemotherapy can achieve higher response rates than previously reported and that the frequency of morbid complications can be reduced. A summary of the discussions which took place at a recent NCI-OSITC Workshop on Intraarterial Chemotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer is presented. New therapeutic strategies and improved treatment techniques provide the rationale for a reevaluation of intraarterial chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.