Objective: To prove the efficacy of electroporation therapy (EPT) in T1 and T2 squamous cell cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx.
Material and methods: Twelve patients were treated with EPT within the framework of a European trial. Tumors were infiltrated with a bleomycin solution and subsequently treated with EPT. Four weeks after treatment the necrotic mass at the site of the former tumor was resected with save margins and accurately examined histologically.
Results: Whereas 10 specimens were completely free of cancer cells, 2 cases showed viable tumor cells.
Conclusion: EPT has the potential to serve as an interesting alternative in the treatment of head and neck cancer.