Long term effectiveness of electrochemotherapy for the treatment of lower lip squamous cell carcinoma. Issue 11 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gargiulo, M.; Serra Mestre, J.M.; Cortese, A.; Murphy, D.C.; Parascandolo, S.; Razzano, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Volume 46:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 1968
• Page End: 1974
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Electrochemotherapy -- ECT -- Lower lip SCC -- Squamous cell -- Carcinoma -- Elderly; Skull -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- surgery -- Periodicals; Face -- surgery -- Periodicals; Skull -- surgery -- Periodicals; Oral Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Surgery, Oral -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.514
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2018.08.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5182

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a therapeutic approach based on the local application of electrical pulses that permeabilize cell membranes to enhance the uptake of low-permeant chemotherapeutic agents, thus increasing their cytotoxic effects. Materials and methods: Twenty-one patients with SCC of the lower lip were treated according to the European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy. Bleomycin (15, 000 IU/m 2 body surface area) was administered intravenously over a 1-min period. Eight electrical pulses (amplitude, 1000 V/cm; duration, 100 μs) were generated and delivered at a repetition frequency of 5 kHz. Changes in tumor volume were used to assess treatment response. Results: Objective response (OR), complete response (CR), and partial response (PR) rates of 100%, 71.4%, and 28.6% respectively were demonstrated following a single session of ECT. ECT was well tolerated, and no adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Intravenous bleomycin-based ECT is a safe and effective therapy for SCC of the lower lip. ECT improves the quality-of-life of patients by preserving the function and the aesthetic appearance of the affected area. ECT provides a therapeutic option for elderly and frail patients who, due to their state of health, are not suitable for, or refuse surgical interventions.