Electrochemotherapy in Skin Malignancies of Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Clinical Efficacy and Aesthetic Benefits

Abstract

The main goal of skin cancer treatments is to eradicate the tumour with the safest method providing an aesthetically and functionally pleasant outcome. Electrochemotherapy is a minimal-invasive local tumour ablation procedure for cutaneous metastases. This study found that in head and neck skin cancer patients treated with electrochemotherapy, after tumour clearance and wound healing, most of the assessed scars showed physical and aesthetic characteristics very similar to those of normal surrounding area. These results suggest that in the management of head and neck skin cancer, electrochemotherapy may represent a valid alternative to traditional techniques when such techniques are not suitable. Skin malignancies of the head and neck inflict significant structural, functional, and cosmetic burdens upon those affected. We retrospectively addressed electrochemotherapy anti-tumour efficacy in head and neck skin cancer patients who were not suitable for standard treatments. Scars' physical characteristics and aesthetics were evaluated using validated scar assessment scales. Among 33 treated patients, 82% experienced a complete tumour response while 18% experienced a partial response. At a median time period of 7 months, 96% of the evaluated scars came close to resembling the normal surrounding skin showing excellent results in terms of restoration to original condition with no deformity and/or distortion and in terms of preservation of functionality, such as oral competence and eye protection. Electrochemotherapy is an effective local anticancer procedure for cutaneous tumours. In the treatment of skin malignancies of the head and neck, especially in non-surgical cases, in the elderly and in patients declining surgery, electrochemotherapy may represent a valid alternative to standard management.

Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Big and Intriguing Challenge Which May Be Resolved by Integrated Treatments Combining Locoregional and Systemic Therapies

“…In a phase II trial, Plaschke et al treated 36 patients with recurrent/metastatic SCCHN with the same ECT regimen (bleomycin based), and as results, an ORR rate of 56% was reached [ 62 ]. Very similar results were achieved also by Bonadies et al, in their phase II prospective trial, in which 26 patients with SCCHN received ECT and 58% of them experienced a response (partial or complete) [ 63 ].…”

The importance of flaps in reconstruction of locoregionally advanced lateral skull-base cancer defects: a tertiary otorhinolaryngology referral centre experience

“…Namely, for a comprehensive overview of the field, it would be essential to consider other treatment modalities such as primary radio(chemo)therapy 3 and also electrochemotherapy. 16 …”

Elektrochemotherapie in der Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde in Deutschland

“…Die Behandlung von Plattenepithelkarzinomen der Unterlippe mit ECT ergab ein Ansprechen in 100 % und eine complete response in 71,4 % der Fälle bei gutem ästhetischem Ergebnis (21 Patienten) [4]. Daher sollte insbesondere bei ungünstigen Tumorlokalisationen und erwartungsgemäß aufwendigen Rekonstruktionen besonders bei älteren Patienten eine ECT als Primärtherapie diskutiert werden [5,8].…”

“…Meistens wird die ECT in der Palliativsituation eingesetzt [7], da sie auch dann eine Therapieoption darstellt, wenn eine Immuntherapie nicht möglich oder nicht wirksam ist [8,9]. Bei Kopf-Hals-Karzinomrezidiven stellte es sich als Vorteil heraus, die ECT mit einem Tumordebulking zu kombinieren [10].…”