Treatment results of continuous intra-arterial CBDCA infusion chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy for locally advanced tongue cancer

Objective: The objective of this study was to improve the treatment results for locally advanced tongue cancer. A combination of radiotherapy with continuous intra-arterial therapy using CBDCA was used. Study design: According to TNM staging (1997), 29 patients had stage III lesions and 11 patients had stage IV (M0) lesions. A catheter was inserted through the lingual artery in 26 patients, through the external carotid artery in 11 patients, and through the faciolingual trunk in 2 patients. CBDCA was continuously infused for 4 to 6 weeks. With IA chemotherapy, external irradiation (median dose: 46.8 Gy) was simultaneously performed, and 1 to 2 courses of systemic chemotherapy were performed in 19 patients before intra-arterial chemotherapy. Results: The 5-year local control rate was 65%. The 5-year OS rate was 39.5%. There were no clinically significant adverse side effects. Conclusion: Continuous IA CBDCA and concurrent radiation therapy can be delivered safely with good efficacy for locally advanced carcinoma of the tongue.