Objective: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel treatment regimen, intra-arterial cisplatin infusion plus external/high-dose-rate radiotherapy.
Methods: Superselective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin (100-120 mg) was performed concomitantly with external radiotherapy in four patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the tongue. A high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost was performed after combination therapy in all patients. Brachytherapy was performed after external radiotherapy, and the treatment schedule was twice daily, with a fraction of 600 cGy up to a total of 30-48 Gy.
Results: All patients completed the therapy as scheduled. There were no vascular or neurological complications. Grade III acute radiation mucositis developed in all patients but this did not necessitate a treatment break. With a mean follow-up period of 35 months, loco-regional control was obtained for all patients.
Conclusions: The combination of weekly administration of intra-arterial cisplatin plus external/high-dose-rate radiotherapy seems effective for advanced carcinoma of the tongue.