First experience with electrochemotherapy in the head and neck oncology

Background Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a procedure in which electric pulses increase the permeability of tumour cell membranes, resulting in an increase of the concentration and cytotoxicity of anti-cancer agents. In Germany, the procedure is established in the field of dermatology, gynaecology and interventional radiology. During the last two years, introduction of ECT to the field of the head and neck oncology has begun.

Methods The procedure of ECT is standardised. We performed the ECT, following the ESOPE-standards, on a 63 year old patient in a palliative state due to a squamous cell carcinoma metastasis of the left parotid region. Prior to the ECT bleedings of the tumour regularly occurred. General anaesthesia and relaxation was performed. 15,000 IU/m² Bleomycin was administered intravenously. Eight minutes later, electric pulses where delivered to the whole area of the tumour though 3 cm hexagonal geometry needle electrodes and the Cliniporador™. The patient was interviewed, examined and photographed prior and four weeks after the operation.

Conclusions In the clinical examination, the tumour appeared necrotic after only a couple of days and four weeks later the tumour was distinctly smaller. Under his pre-op medication, the patient was pain free in the area of the tumour. No bleeding incidences were recorded after the procedure.

Conclusion The presented case shows that ECT is an alternative therapy for head and neck tumours. So far applied exclusively in palliative cases, ECT can alleviate bleeding and pain symptoms. Furthermore, ECT can lead to significant tumour regression.

Poster-PDF A-1983.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020