Therapeutic Results for Distant Metastases of Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

Therapeutic results for 46 patients with distant metastases of head and neck cancers other than thyroid cancer, treated at Tenri hospital from 1975 to 1992, were evaluated. Of 57 sites of metastases studied, 30 were in the lung, 11 the liver and 11 the bone. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery were performed singly or in combination and the results for each site of metastases was analysed. For lung metastases, radiotherapy or surgery, if possible, is considered effective in improving the prognosis. The prognosis for liver metastases was quite poor, but transarterial infusion into the hapatic artery was expected to prolong the survival period. Radiotherapy for bone metastases was quite effective, while chemotherapy had little effect. Active therapy for distant metastases was expected to improve the quality of life.