Chemoembolization using cisplatin crystals as neoadjuvant treatment of oral cancer.

Chemoembolization for cancer of the head and neck has been used very rarely in the past owing to local characteristics and risks. By combining the antineoplastic activity and embolizing effect in the same drug, a more routine use seems possible. A cisplatin suspension in normal saline (5 mg in 1 mL) with precipitation of microembolizing cisplatin crystals and without additional drugs was prepared. The cisplatin dosage was 150 mg/m2, the maximum absolute dose 300 mg, and the maximum amount of fluid 60 mL. One hundred and three consecutive patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and the anterior oropharynx were treated in a neoadjuvant setting with superselective chemoembolization using the cisplatin suspension. Acceptance by the patients has been excellent with no refusal. Overall response after one intervention has been 73%, with 18.5% showing pathological complete remissions. The highest response rates could be seen in T1-3 tumors and tumors of the oral tongue and floor of the mouth. Measurable acute systemic toxicity has been low. Postembolization syndrome, especially swelling, had to be observed carefully. There have been 3.5% interventional and 10% local complications, which could be significantly reduced by the use of this procedure only in cancers of the oral tongue, floor of the mouth, and mandibular alveolar ridge. Chemoembolization of cancer in the head and neck area can be carried out regularly and safely using this method, and it is highly effective. It could be used as an induction before definitive surgery or radiotherapy. Further investigation is mandatory to assess the potential of chemoembolization for the improvement of local control and survival.