Multidisciplinary treatment with OK-432 for tracheal or bronchial invasion by post-surgical esophageal cancer recurrences

Abstract

Three patients with recurrent tumors invading the trachea or main bronchus after esophageal cancer surgery, underwent a multidisciplinary treatment using radiation and local administration of OK-432 with or without chemotherapy. Three patients were irradiated at a daily dose of 1.8 Gy, 5 fractions per week. The total dose of radiation ranged from 52.2 to 64.8 Gy. A dose of 1 mg or 0.5 mg of OK-432, dissolved in 3 mL of 0.5% xylocaine was administered submucosal[y at proximal sites of the tumor via a bronchofiberscope. Two of the patients also received a second injection of OK-432 2 weeks after the first dose. A complete response was obtained in 2 of the patients and a partial response occurred in the remaining patient. The patients with a complete response have been in good condition without any sign of recurrence for more than 2 and 6 years, respectively. Dyspnea was effectively cured in all 3 patients.