Superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy using altered blood flow compared to conventional systemic chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of superselective intra-arterial (IA) chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) on advanced oral cancer, and to compare it with that of systemic chemoradiotherapy. Materials and methods: This single-center retrospective study included 23 consecutive patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma from November 2011 to November 2019. Of these, 15 received superselective IA cisplatin chemoradiotherapy with altered blood flow in the branches of the external carotid artery, and eight received systemic chemoradiotherapy. Medical charts were reviewed for the evaluation of patient data, drug toxicity, and antitumor efficacy. Results: Local control rate for the superselective IA infusion group, who underwent 6–7 cycles was significantly higher than that of the systemic chemotherapy group (11/13, 85% vs 3/8, 38%; p = 0.04). Regional control, locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.15–0.907). Acute toxicity rates of grade 3 or higher were not significantly different between the IA and IV chemotherapy groups (p = 0.221). Conclusion: Superselective IA chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin using altered blood flow in the branches of the external carotid artery with TAE may be useful for inoperable oral cancer.