Abstract
Super-selective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using cisplatinum （CDDP） has been an established organ-preserving therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. We have observed a constant treatment response in advanced cases of gingival cancer by combined intra-arterial and systemic chemotherapy. Our protocol consisted of intra-arterial infusion of docetaxel （DOC） and CDDP by the Seldinger method on day 1 followed by continuous intravenous instillation of 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） for 5 days from day 2. Radiotherapy was administered with 40 Gy. Of the 22 patients, complete and partial response was observed in 82％ and 18％, respectively. Five-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and locoregional control were high at 88％. For intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy, detailed anatomical knowledge and identification of a feeding artery are necessary to eradicate the tumor with no neurological events.
