OBJECTIVE
To improve the results of treatment in patients with primary and recurrent locally advanced basal cell cancer (BCC) and squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the head and neck skin, by using surgical treatments in combination with intraoperative photodynamic therapy.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The investigation enrolled 90 patients with primary and recurrent locally advanced cancer (T3, T4) of the head and neck skin. A study group of 45 patients received combination treatment: a surgical intervention and intraoperative photodynamic therapy with Photosens at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg; in the control group, 45 patients had surgical treatment only.
RESULTS
The median relapse-free survival in patients from the study group with squamous cell carcinoma (CC) of the head and neck skin cancer was 15 months; that in the control group was 8 months. At that time, the median overall survival was 52.0±2.1 months; while that in the control group was 20.0±2.0 months. The relapse-free survival rate in the study group with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the head and neck skin cancer was 40±2.4 moths; while that in the control group was 25±2.3 months. Overall survival in the study group was 88±2.7 months; whereas that in the control group was 40±2.4 moths. Intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDDT) could increase overall and relapse-free survival rates.
CONCLUSION
Surgical treatment in combination with intraoperative photodynamic therapy (IOPDT) for locally advanced head and neck skin cancer could enhance the efficiency of treatment and achieve a reduction in tumor recurrence rates. Hence, intraoperative photodynamic therapy may be a method of choice to improve local control in the surgical treatment of locally advanced head and neck skin cancer.