Abstract
Using cultured transformed fibroblasts (RFL-T), an antitumor agents, 5-Fluorouracil, was found to be potentiated in its inhibitory action on RNA formation by vitamin A as well as Amphotericin B. 5-Fluorouracil in combination with vitamin A or Amphotericin-B enhanced more effectively the cellar sensitivity to cobalt irradiation than when 5-Fluorouracil was used alone.
Systemical treatment of the malignant tumor in head and neck region, especially laryngeal, hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer, were performed by combination with irradiation, administration of 5-Fluorouracil and vitamin A. We scheduled a routine method as follows;
Vitamin A of 50000 IU was given i. m. 6 hours prior to irradiation and was followed by 250 mg of 5-Fluorouracil i. v, which was soluble to 20 ml of 20 % glucose, one hour prior to irradiation. Irradiation of 200 rads (cobalt 60) was given every day. And these combination therapy was performed 5 times per a week. When the total doses reached to 3000 rads, it was determined whether a combination therapy was continued or not, for conversion to a surgical therapy after 2 to 3 weeks interval. During this pause all the reactive inflammatory sign on the mucosa or submucosa was recovered.
As tumor doses, 6000 to 8000 rads were irradiated with gamma rays of cobalt 60 or electron beams of Betatron in the case of conservation. This synergistic combination therapy resulted in heigh percentage of the cure even in the case of the invading cancer of larynx, hypopharynx and cervical esophagus.
