Use of electrochemotherapy in a case of neck skin metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma: case report and considerations

Head Neck. 2014 Sep;36(9):E86-90. doi: 10.1002/hed.23552. Epub 2014 Feb 27.

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral cavity malignant tumor. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have been the major options for its treatment. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a novel local treatment successfully used in secondary or primary skin or subcutaneous tumors. This new cancer treatment is a modality in which a locally applied electrical field enhances cell membrane permeability, thereby allowing greater intracellular accumulation of a chemotherapeutic agent.

Methods: We report a case of a man affected by an ulcerated SCC. The man was treated with ECT with good results.

Results: In our case, ECT was successful in the management of extensive metastasis of SCC in clinical conditions, whereas other approaches were rejected.

Conclusion: This case shows good clinical results; however, other studies are necessary to show that ECT should be considered as a promising treatment option.

Keywords: bleomycin; electrochemotherapy; neck; oral cancer; skin metastasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
  • Bleomycin / administration & dosage*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Electrochemotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Bleomycin