[Intraarterial chemotherapy in carcinomas of the oral cavity, oro- and hypopharynx (author's transl)]

Abstract

Intraarterial chemotherapy using Methotrexate (MTX) was applied on 128 patients with carcinoma of the head and neck. If possible, the operation was performed followed by radiation, including cervical lymph nodes after initial chemotherapy. The aim of i.a. chemotherapy is to realise a partial remission of the tumor mass so that better conditions are available for the following operation respectively radiation. The 1 year NED results and the 3 year survival rate show an improvement in comparison with published results, including the regional lymph nodes metastases. This is especially the case when chemotherapy is followed by the operation and radiation. The tumor mass and in many cases the regional lymph nodes were reduced and subjective complaints were lessened. -- The additional i.a. chemotherapy with MTX seems to us justified, especially because of the low complication rate, although it is no substitute for radiation and surgery.