Results of combined external irradiation and chemotherapy of bleomycin or peplomycin for squamous cell carcinomas of the lower gingiva.

PURPOSE

In Japan, the role of radiotherapy for gingival carcinomas has not been considered as a radical treatment, but only a pre and/or postoperative treatment. This study was aimed to discuss a possibility of radiotherapy for a radical treatment. In this study, radiotherapy was given as an initial treatment for squamous cell carcinomas of the lower gingiva in simultaneous combination with chemotherapy of bleomycin or peplomycin (Tokyo, Japan).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

When complete regression of the tumor was obtained, subsequent surgery was postponed with or without a booster of radiotherapy of about 30 Gy until a recurrent lesion was confirmed.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven percent of 100 patients with T1 or T2 had complete regression, while only 22 (35.5%) of 62 patients with T3 or T4 had complete regression. The 5-year local control rate by T classification, including the results of secondary treatments (surgery and/or radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) for recurrent lesions, was 91% for T1, 89% for T2, 76% for T3 and 61% for T4. The 5-year local control rate according to treatment methods was 95% in the group without surgery and 86% in the group with surgery for T1 and T2 patients. The rates were 54% and 71%, respectively for T3 and T4 patients. The cause specific 5-year survival rate by stage was 75% for Stage I, 87% for Stage II, 71% for Stage III, 51% for Stage IV and 70% overall.

CONCLUSION

The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy could be a conservative radical treatment for T1 and T2 patients with lower gingival carcinoma.