Interstitial thermoradiotherapy for locally advanced and recurrent neoplasms of the head and neck

D. E. Gannett, B. Stea, D. S. Shimm, P. K. Sneed, K. K. Fu, R. Steeves, N. L. Vora

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe the treatment of 22 consecutive patients with locally advanced (41%) or recurrent tumors (59%) in the head and neck (13 oral cavity and oropharyngeal, six cervical lymph nodes, two parotid recurrences, and one maxillary sinus recurrence) using a novel approach combining interstitial radiotherapy and ferromagnetic seed-induced hyperthermia. The complete and partial response rates were 68% and 27%, respectively, while 5% had no response. Response rates correlated inversely with tumor volume (P = .05). Median survival was 11 months with a two-year survival of 18%. The two-year actuarial local control was 38%. Continuous thermometry documented the time- averaged mean temperature achieved in all treatments to be 40.3°C. Toxicity was limited, with only 9% experiencing grade 3 toxicity (there was no grade 4 toxicity observed). Despite the modest thermal doses achieved in this study, our response rates are comparable with other interstitial radiotherapy techniques in a patient population with a poor prognosis. We are currently formulating more efficient seed materials to improve temperature homogeneity and effectiveness of heating.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-153
Number of pages11
JournalEndocurietherapy/Hyperthermia Oncology
Volume11
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1995

Keywords

  • Brachytherapy
  • Head and Neck Cancer
  • Hyperthermia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Cancer Research

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