Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy for advanced parotid squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

A case of advanced parotid cancer in which long-term control was achieved by superselective intra-arterial cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy is reported. A 63-year-old woman with parotid squamous cell carcinoma was referred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance images revealed extraparotid extension of the tumor, indicating that complete resection would be difficult. Consequently, intra-arterial cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy was planned as an alternative therapy. Superselective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin (100 mg/m(2)) was performed six times, at intervals of 7-9 days. The arteries chosen for superselective infusion were the posterior auricular artery, the transverse facial artery and the intrinsic parotid artery originating directly from the external carotid artery. Concurrently, external radiotherapy of a total of 50 Gy in 25 fractions was also performed. The patient achieved a complete response and has remained free of disease recurrence 5 years after treatment. Intra-arterial cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy can be a practical option for patients with unresectable parotid squamous cell carcinoma.