Retrospective analysis: concurrent chemoradiotherapy using protracted continuous infusion of low-dose cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for T2N0 glottic cancer

Abstract

Treatment with conventional radiotherapy alone for local control of T2 glottic cancer (T2GC) is insufficient. To improve local control of T2GC, we have simultaneously administered continuous intravenous infusions of low-dose cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with irradiation. We performed this combination therapy in a total of 11 consecutive patients with previously untreated invasive squamous cell carcinoma (T2GC). Cisplatin was administered at 4 mg/m2/day and 5-FU at 200 mg/m2/day for 120 h, except during weekends, beginning on the day irradiation with a once-daily fraction at 2 Gy was started. An initial local control rate of the primary tumor was achieved in 10 of the 11 patients (91%), and ultimate laryngeal preservation by cordectomy was achieved in all cases. Regarding adverse reactions, grade 3 or 4 hemotoxicity did not develop in any of the patients. Grade 3 laryngitis was observed in four patients (36%), but none of these patients required interruption of treatment owing to acute laryngeal reactions. Instead of radiotherapy alone, this combination chemoradiotherapy is suggested with the possibility of improving local control of T2GCs.