Cisplatinum and interstitial laser therapy for advanced head and neck cancer: A preclinical study

Background and Objective: Direct intratumor injection of cisplatinum (CDDP) and laser therapy were tested for improved treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Study Design/Materials and Methods: Human SCCA tumors were grown as se transplants in nude mice and injected with CDDP (0.4-1.2 mg/gm) in water or in collagen-based gel carrier with epinephrine (epi-gel), followed by interstitial laser therapy (ILT) via 0.6 mm fiberoptics (532 nm/300J). Results: Tumors injected with CDDP epi-gel exhibited a partial response with 2-4-fold tumor growth delay, compared to aqueous drug or untreated SCCA transplants during 10-week follow-up. Combined drug and laser therapy significantly decreased tumor volume with recurrence in only 25% (2/8) of animals tested, compared to 66% tumor regrowth (10/15) after ILT alone. Conclusion: These initial results suggest laser chemotherapy may become an effective treatment for advanced head and neck cancer.